Alistair Johnston is one of Celtic’s most reliable players.
Both in terms of Johnston’s capacity to stay injury-free and deliver impressive performances for Celtic, whether under Ange Postecoglou or Brendan Rodgers.
That’s why Johnston is a beloved figure at Celtic, enhanced by his cheerful personality, which is excellent for team morale and his leadership qualities, even without the captain’s armband.
Ahead of Flag Day for Celtic against St Mirren on Sunday afternoon, Johnston was selected to speak to the media, and he was his typical positive self, though, for some peculiar reason, Barry Ferguson interpreted it differently.
What has Alistair Johnston said?
Much of the discussion centered on James Forrest after his record-setting goal against St Mirren on the final day of the prior season.
Johnston was praising Forrest in his characteristic manner, with Celtic going on to defeat St Mirren 1-0.
But before the match, this is what Celtic’s Canada international had to say.
“I would be buzzing, I would be buzzing if we could do it again at St Mirren at home,” said Johnston about Forrest’s late goal on the final day of last season. This one being the first match rather than the 38th.
“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.”
Barry Ferguson responds to Johnston’s comments:
Speaking on Go Radio, that interview was replayed, with former Rangers interim manager Ferguson strangely remarking that he ‘doesn’t understand’ how someone can be so cheerful.
The former midfielder added, ‘I couldn’t sit beside him in the morning’, and fortunately, Johnston doesn’t need to do that in the iconic green and white colours.
Mark Guidi: “Very enthusiastic, isn’t he?! Really enthusiastic.”
Ferguson then added: “I couldn’t sit beside him in the morning. 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.”