Alistair Johnston has reflected on his part in James Forrest’s dramatic equaliser against St Mirren on the final day of last season, a moment that extended the winger’s remarkable scoring streak into yet another year.
With seconds left on Trophy Day, Johnston’s delivery found Forrest, who made no mistake in front of goal. That strike meant the Celtic legend had found the net in every single campaign since his debut in 2010, an achievement unmatched in the modern era at the club.
Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference, Johnston was answering a question from CeltsAreHere when he looked back on that moment, ahead of facing St Mirren again in the season opener.
“I would be buzzing if we could do it again at St Mirren at home,” Johnston said. “It’s an unbelievable streak. That was one of the loudest roars I have ever heard at Celtic Park, and I have heard quite a few good ones. I think that goes to show how much he means to this fanbase and this club. I think everyone realises what a living legend he is.”
When the interview was played on Go Radio, former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson focused less on the football and more on Johnston’s upbeat character.
“I couldn’t sit beside him in the morning,” Ferguson said. “That’s a no-go for me. The first two hours of my eyes opening, I don’t like bubbly people. See, in the morning, I don’t like speaking to people, so it was good for me to get up really early, then I would come into my own a wee bit. People like that, bubbly in the morning, I don’t understand it.”
Ferguson’s comments were strange and unnecessary. Instead of recognising Johnston’s praise for a teammate’s achievement, he chose to talk about his dislike of people being happy in the morning.
It had nothing to do with football and came across as a needless swipe at a player showing a bit of positivity.
What should have been about celebrating a Celtic legend’s lasting impact was turned into a gripe about morning chat.
Johnston spoke about history, loyalty, and the roar of Celtic Park, Ferguson reduced it to whether he’d sit beside him at breakfast. It was petty and said far more about Ferguson than it ever could about Johnston.
