Celtic defender Alistair Johnston revealed how he sees Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Young Boys at Celtic Park.
With a win for Celtic against the Swiss champions all but securing a place in the Champions League knockout playoffs, it’s a huge night for Johnston and the Hoops, with the Canadian playing a crucial part in Celtic’s success across all competitions this season.
Johnston has been a stalwart in the Celtic defence since joining the club two years ago, and this season has really taken his game to a new level, adding the attacking threat he lacked during the first year of his time at the Hoops.
Working under Brendan Rodgers has unlocked a new lease on his game, with the Canadian now at times playing more as a traditional full-back. This change has allowed the likes of Kyogo and Daizen Maeda to get on the end of Johnston’s superb crosses, with Dingwall a week ago serving as an example for Celtic’s opener.
With Celtic likely to face a tough challenge against Young Boys, Johnston compared the game to others he has played during his time at the club.
He said: (Daily Record), “It’s massive. We know where we are in the table and how important the points could be. At the end of the day, this is the one you look at.
“It could be like a cup final for us if you get the points you need because you will probably secure a knockout round place. And you don’t really want to be going to Villa away needing something.
“Villa are comfortable but they’ll still want as many points as possible to be high up the table. We know Villa won’t be easy at all so it’s important that we make it count on Wednesday.
“It’s a massive chance and I’m looking forward to it. The atmosphere is going to be unbelievable – Celtic Park under the lights and with a lot on the line.”
Johnston couldn’t sound more excited for Wednesday’s game. Just like every Celtic supporter, it’s certainly one of the biggest in the Hoops’ recent history.
Given the consistent domestic success, the chance to reach the next round of the Champions League for the first time since 2013 feels special, and the Celtic dressing room can certainly sense this.
With players like Callum McGregor and James Forrest in the starting 11 for over a decade, they will have been vital in stressing to teammates just how much a win will mean to the club and Celtic fans.
