Alistair Johnston insists Celtic aren’t fussed about the prospect of receiving a guard of honour from Rangers because their focus is firmly on lifting silverware.
Brendan Rodgers’ side are closing in on a fourth successive Premiership crown and could have it wrapped up by the end of the month.
Brendan Rodgers voiced his frustrations that Celtic couldn’t wrap it up in front of a home crowd on Saturday, having lost to St Johnstone the week prior.
The league is all but confirmed to be remaining at Celtic Park.
A point at Tannadice on April 26 against Dundee United would confirm Celtic as champions before their next derby trip to Ibrox on May 4, where Celtic will look to claim their second league win over their rivals this season.
Tradition dictates that the next opponents offer a guard of honour to the newly crowned champions, but the gesture has long been a topic of debate in Glasgow.
When asked if he expects Rangers to observe the custom, Johnston was quick to brush off the idea.
“Would I expect it? I wouldn’t say I’d expect it,” the Canadian said, quoted by RecordSport. “At the end of the day it is what it is. We are not too bothered if someone gives us a guard of honour or not. We just want to be lifting a trophy on the final day of the season and that’s our biggest focus.”
Celtic, 15 points clear at the top with five games to go, are on the brink of yet another title, their 13th in 14 years, and Johnston made it clear they’re more interested in finishing the job than ceremonial gestures.
