While playing for Canada internationally, Celtic defender Alistair Johnston has been talking about his time in Glasgow since moving there in 2023.
Even though the right-back has only been with the Boys for slightly over a year, he already feels like a member of the team and has had some incredible experiences.
He was a key member of the team that attempted to win a domestic triple crown the previous season and has been Brendan Rodgers’ go-to guy this season as well.
The 25-year-old definitely “gets” what it means to play for the Celtics, and he frequently expresses in interviews how much he is enjoying being a part of such a large organization.
Celtic: The leadership teachings of Alistair Johnston
He is also enjoying picking up knowledge from the various characters within the Bhoys’ dressing room.
While players from all around the world have arrived at Celtic, it appears that local hero Callum McGregor has left the biggest impression on Johnston.
In a one-on-one interview, Johnston spoke extensively about his teammate’s leadership style with Canadian broadcaster OneSoccer.
The defender stated: “I have noticed with these elite teams that it is quite easy to have a very clear plan where players know precisely what is expected of them on and off the field. Additionally, the team should have leaders who hold each other accountable.
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“I had the good fortune to play with a lot of famous people at Celtic, including Joe Hart. Our captain, Callum McGregor, inspires me greatly just by the way he leads. It differs greatly from everything I have ever seen.
“He sort of fits into the Atiba [Hutchinson] type of person who, the moment he goes into a room, the atmosphere kind of gets, there is just an aura to him. Something like that cannot be coerced. When you reach that level, you realize that there are not many men in world football who are truly like that. It has to be sincere.
That is what I have discovered: you have to be really precise in what you do and keep the variables as low as possible when playing at a high level where the pressure is so intense every week. Let us adhere to a well-thought-out plan that has the support of all. You can actually just shut out a lot of the background noise and concentrate on the game if you do that.
McGregor has played for the Bhoys in excess of 450 times, winning awards and making significant progress each season. He is already well on his way to becoming a legend and is still a vital member of the group.
His portrayal of himself as a leader who sets an example and exercises silent authority rather than giving commands is consistent with Johnston’s analysis.
In the last nine or ten games of the season, he has been missing as well, so getting him back into the lineup is imperative.
Like the rest of us, Johnston will be crossing his hopes that the captain heals from his injury swiftly during the international break.
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