Alistair Johnston has opened up about what it takes to play for Celtic in the Champions League, stressing that belief and attitude are just as important as tactics.

The right-back, who has become a regular in Brendan Rodgers’ team, spoke about how players need to carry themselves, especially when facing top European sides.

He pointed out that staying confident and keeping your head up, even when under pressure, can make a big difference. Johnston says that the way a player looks and behaves on the pitch can affect the whole team’s mindset. That strong, fearless attitude is something he wants to see both in Europe and at home.

Celtic often find themselves as the underdog in the Champions League. The teams they face have bigger budgets and more experience at that level. But Johnston believes Celtic can still compete, as long as they show belief and never let themselves look beaten, even when things are tough.

The Canadian international has brought steady performances to the defence and is starting to show leadership as well. His comments give fans a look at the mindset in the squad, with players aiming to match their strong domestic form with better results in Europe.

He said: (One Soccer), “When you’re at a club like Celtic, it’s about going out there, no matter how the game is going, chest out, head up, confident.

“Because I know in the Champions League, when you play against a team like Bayern Munich, you feel like you’re on top of it, then you look across, and they don’t look fazed, how difficult that can be when you’re technically the underdog in the match.

“So it’s about us doing that domestically as well and realising that, look, you can win games just on your body language.”

With another Champions League campaign potentially ahead, Johnston’s message comes at the right time. Celtic have had strong moments in Europe, but often lacked the calmness and belief needed to see games out. That mental side of the game is something the players are clearly working on.

His focus on things like posture and body language may sound simple, but they carry weight on the pitch. When players hold themselves with confidence, it can lift the whole team. Johnston knows what it’s like to look across at world-class players and see that kind of belief in action.

He’s calling for Celtic to show that same confidence, no matter the opponent. Whether it’s in Glasgow or away in Europe, the message is the same: don’t shrink. Celtic have the talent, and now they’re working on the mindset to match.

As pre-season begins and the Champions League qualifiers draw closer, it’s clear the squad are taking the mental side of the game seriously. If Johnston and his teammates can carry that belief into Europe, they’ll give themselves a real chance.