The 25-year-old undoubtedly ‘gets’ what it means to be a Celtic player and in interviews often makes it clear he is loving the experience of playing for such a big club.
Alistair Johnston’s leadership lessons at Celtic
He’s also relishing learning from all the different personalities in the Bhoys dressing room.
Players from all around the world have landed at Celtic but it seems Johnston has been left most inspired by homegrown club captain Callum McGregor.
Johnston sat down for a one-on-one interview with Canadian broadcaster OneSoccer, waxing lyrical about his teammate’s leadership style.
The defender said: “What I’ve seen at these top teams is that having a very direct plan, where players know exactly what’s expected of them on and off the pitch, makes it very simple. At the same time, also having leaders within the team that hold everyone accountable.
“I’m lucky enough at Celtic to have played with some big names, of course Joe Hart. Callum McGregor, our captain, it’s really inspiring just to see how he leads. It’s different to everything I’ve ever seen before.
“He kind of falls into that Atiba [Hutchinson] category of someone who walks in a room, there’s kind of a different feel instantly, the air kind of gets, there’s just an aura to him. That’s something that can’t be forced. It’s got to be genuine and when you get to that level you realise there are really only a handful of those kinds of guys in world football.
“That’s what I’ve found – when playing at the high level where the pressure is just so demanding week-in, week-out – you need to know exactly what you’re doing and limit the variables as much as possible. Let guys stick to a very coordinated plan that everyone believes in. If you do that you can really just block out a lot of that noise and just focus on the football.”
McGregor has made over 450 appearances in total for the Bhoys, racking up trophies and achievements year after year. He’s well on his way to legend status already and remains an integral part of the team.
He’s always come across as a character who leads by example and with quiet authority rather than barking orders, which tallies with Johnston’s take here.
He’s been a miss recently too and getting him back into the squad is a must during the final nine or ten games of the season.
Johnston will be keeping his fingers crossed alongside the rest of us that the captain recovers quickly from injury after the international break.
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