COMEBACK Bhoy Alistair Johnston reckons “there’s no reason” why Celtic can’t take control of the destination of the Premiership title.
The Canadian international right-back returned to the side as a 72nd-minute substitute for Anthony Ralston in the champions’ 3-1 triumph over Falkirk at Parkhead a week ago.
Johnston has been plagued by hamstring problems this season and first-team appearances have been rare.
However, he enjoyed his brief run-out against John McGlynn’s men and is hoping to to get the nod from Martin O’Neill to start against Hibs at Easter Road at midday tomorrow.
SMILES BETTER…Alistair Johnston is confident the champions can win the next four league games. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
The super-confident World Cup-bound defender reckons his team-mates possess the ability, quality and determination to win every single game in the dramatic run-in.
Reflecting on his welcome outing last weekend, Johnston said: “It was exciting to be back. Obviously, I knew the plan was for me to get some minutes in that match.
“The reception that I got every single time I went to warm up was quite nice. Coming on to the pitch, just being back to where I wanted to be, playing in front of that crowd, was great.
“It really put everything in perspective because it has been a long slog this whole winter getting through this injury.
“You’re in there six days a week, first ones in, last ones to leave, and it’s tiring. It’s mentally draining as much as it is physically draining, so I’m just happy to be on the other side of it.”
Johnston, speaking to Celtic TV, continued: “It’s about winning football matches and that’s something we’ve really focused on since Martin came in.
“The football hasn’t always been perfect, but the lads are finding ways to win football matches and that’s kept us in this league and the Cup, as well.
IT TAKES TWO…Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels in celebratory mood.
“It was amazing. We had the whole crowd behind us, you felt the energy, and it was noticeable to every single person in the ground that it was a special atmosphere.
“The players fed off it and that’s something we’re going to need this month.”
The energetic back-four performer added: “We’re really in the mindset of taking it day by day, match by match, and seeing where that goes.”
“We’re almost at the finish line, but there’s no reason why we can’t go out there and control this by winning every single match.
“If we take care of our business, then we’re going to leave ourselves a really good chance.
“Hibs is not an easy match by any stretch of the imagination. Easter Road is always a really difficult place to go, and they’re desperate for points, as well.
“But we know if we go over there and play our game, we’re going to give ourselves a great chance.”
Johnston’s timing could not be bettered. Celtic have had injury concerns over the No.2 position with Colby Donovan and Julian Araujo both beset with problems and the Mexico international’s loan period cut short because of a hamstring strain.
A fully-fit and functioning AJ could be the answer to O’Neill’s prayers.
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