Alistair Johnston Answers Future Celtic Captain Question

Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston doesn’t quite see himself as a future club captain just yet.

The Canadian is just off the back of signing a new five-year deal in Glasgow’s east end, which will see him stay with the Hoops until at least the summer of 2029.

Johnston has been a standout performer so far this season and is turning it on going forward, too; the defender has already equalled his goals and assists tally – eight – from last term, and we haven’t even opened the first window in our advent calendars yet.

The 26-year-old’s signing of a new contract was as crucial as deserved. Johnston is a key squad member and has even captained the Bhoys occasionally this campaign.

In his press conference before yesterday’s trip to Hearts, CeltsAreHere asked the defender if he sees himself as future Celtic captain: “That’s not a decision for me to make,” he said.

“We’ve got a great leader in Cal, thankfully, and he might still have longer than me on his contract now even after I’ve signed my new deal, but he’ll be here forever. So, no, I’m not really too focused on that kind of stuff.”

While Johnston initially took a humble stance, he admitted he’ll ‘gladly’ take the armband off McGregor in future if needed.

The full-back, though, hilariously admitted that he already does enough talking to be a skipper.

He said: “I probably talk too much to be a captain anyway.

“Trying to keep that huddle the one time I was captain short was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done. So, no, I’m not too focused on that again.

“I’m just trying to help out in any way possible. And if I can take a little bit off Cal’s plate, I gladly will.”

Regardless of what he thinks, several Celtic fans see Johnston as a future captain.

He has already proven his leadership qualities, and perhaps, if he remains in Glasgow for years to come, he could well take over from McGregor down the line.