Celtic secures star defender with new deal through 2029, key to their future success

One of the big moves Celtic have made recently is extending Alistair Johnston's contract through 2029. The Canadian defender, since he signed in late 2022, has won over many fans and also solidified his place within Brendan Rodgers' team.

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A Fullback with Attitude and Work Ethic

When Brendan Rodgers goes as far as to publicly praise a player's "phenomenal work ethic and attitude," then you know something is up. And with Alistair Johnston, that is most definitely the case. The manager didn't hold back in singling out the Canadian for his professionalism and true love for the game. It is not just about technical qualities, but about what an athlete brings into the team environment and the collective spirit.

Johnston joined the Hoops from CF Montreal, signed by Ange Postecoglou himself. He quickly put on his Scottish soccer shoes and became much more than a good defender; he turned out to be an important reference in the team, helping the club reach significant titles in record time.

It is just an absolute honor to wear that famous shirt every week," says Johnston, whose words say it all about how much he values his time with Celtic. For him, it's not just a contract, but a mission. Then again, his passion for the club is clear, and it shows in his performances on the field.

Defender recounted how the general atmosphere at Celtic inspires him daily. Being surrounded by ambition and a desire for success pushes him to move further. His partnership with Brendan Rodgers and his teammates has become a catalyst for his personal and professional growth.

A Track Record of Success

Since joining Celtic, Alistair Johnston has accumulated impressive achievements. Right off the bat, he helped the team secure their eighth domestic treble-a feat few clubs in the world can claim. The League and Scottish Cup double last season simply further underlined his worth to the squad.

These are not accidental achievements but an accumulation of a winning mentality running through the club and a team that is cohesive in its functioning. And this has made Johnston much more than just a defender: part of an entire system committed to excellence in every competition that it enters. The Strong Locker Room

The Canadian defender didn't hold his tongue when it came to Celtic's locker room, stating that they were "brilliant" while underlining the quality of his teammates. That's one of the secrets of this team's success. When players support their teammates, it shows on the field.

Johnston knows that soccer is a team sport. He realizes that the hard work of his teammates is no less important than his own. If his humility couples itself with this determination, it greatly makes him a natural captain and role model to those young talents.