Alistair Johnston remains optimistic about the squad’s unity and leadership as they head into the critical final stretch of the league campaign.
Despite a setback that saw Celtic miss the opportunity to lead the Scottish Premiership following Rangers’ defeat to Motherwell, Johnston is confident in the team’s resilience and the influence of its experienced players.
The defender highlighted the blend of new talent and seasoned winners within the team, emphasising the importance of the latter group in guiding Celtic through the pressures of a title race. Johnston singled out veterans like Callum McGregor, Joe Hart, and James Forrest for their proven track records in navigating high-stakes situations and securing silverware.
With Joe Hart announcing his retirement at the end of the season, Johnston expressed a desire to ensure the goalkeeper’s final season is memorable. Hart’s contributions over the past two years, including his role in Celtic’s collection of five trophies, have left an indelible mark on the club.
Johnston dismissed any suggestions of discord within the team, instead describing the dressing room as united in its pursuit of success.
He said: [RecordSport] “Interesting. I haven’t heard the disjointed part. But the locker room is really together again.
“We have got great leaders. We have got guys like Callum McGregor, Joe Hart and James Forrest who have played in difficult run-ins and lifted all kinds of trophies. There are quite a few guys in that locker room who won it last year and who understand what it takes to win. So I think there is that confidence and that self-belief there for sure.
“With it being Joe’s last season we want to send him off right. So there are things like that. The confidence is definitely there, the togetherness is there, I haven’t really noticed any difference from last year when I came in to this year.
“There is still a really good group of guys who come in here and work hard every day and who fight for each other. I am really excited for these next few months, it is a chance to play our football. If we do that, anything is possible.”
