Alistair Johnston will have to wait a couple of weeks before he can make his Celtic debut having been the Hoops second signing during this January window.
The first match which the Canadian international will be able to be selected for is the derby clash against Rangers who are currently nine points behind Celtic. The match will likely be pivotal in deciding the outcome of the league title as Postecoglou’s side shall be hopeful of extending their lead at the top further.
“January is when I’ll be ready to go. To play January 2 would be pretty special — I’ll be ready for it, oh yeah,” said Alistair Johnston as quoted by the Daily Record.
It will give him the chance to settle in over the coming weeks but he is itching to go and will do whatever it takes to be in the manager’s thoughts going into the game as he has the opportunity to impress in training over the next few weeks.
His new teammate Josip Juranovic has played every minute of football for Croatia at the World Cup with his national side only one game away from the final meaning that he may be given a short break after the close of the tournament which leaves Anthony Ralston as the only option throughout the remainder of December.
Having only just arrived in Glasgow over the past few days, the former CF Montreal defender has already been given a warm welcome.
Josip Juranovic went out his way after Croatia’s 4-1 win over Canada at the World Cup to speak to his new teammate as well as Callum McGregor having also sat down to have a chat with Johnston.
Numerous players including the likes of Joe Hart have spoken about the first impression which the Celtic captain makes on you and Johnston is enthused by his passion.
“He’s everything you’d expect from a captain. He’s a top lad.
“I met him this morning and I can see why he’s one of the fan favourites, for sure.
“He’s a great guy and I think he represents this club to a top, top level.
“And, yes, he’s kind of already broken down for me what it means to be a Celtic player and what an absolute honour it is.
“It doesn’t matter what appearance it is right now for him at Celtic – every single one he cherishes.
“He’s a great leader and someone to look up to.
“Those kind of guys have such an aura to them.
“They can really put things into perspective. You can just look at him and you can tell he’s been there and done that.
“One of those guys you’d go to war with every day.
“That’s what I look for in a captain – and he’s just the perfect example of what this club represents.”
If Johnston can play as well as he speaks, the Hoops have got themselves a real top player.
