Alistair Johnston has taken to Instagram to describe his Celtic debut at Ibrox as a “baptism of fire” after the Hoops pegged Rangers back to draw 2-2 on Monday – with Kyogo’s late equaliser coming in the 88th minutes of the game.
Johnston, 24, was available for selection for the first time as a Celtic player on Monday. Ange Postecoglou threw him into the team, despite it being an Old Firm derby at Ibrox. He lasted the entire 90 minutes, impressing on the right.
While Ryan Kent got an equaliser after cutting inside Johnstone – cancelling out Daizen Maeda’s opener – it was a solid start to his Celtic career. Indeed, he was picked over Josip Juranovic to start the match on the right side of defence.
James Tavernier put Rangers ahead from the spot after a foul on Fashion Sakala from Carl Starfelt – but Kyogo got a crucial goal. A goal that keeps Celtic nine points clear. Johnston took to Instagram after making his debut at Ibrox.
Johnston describes Celtic debut at Ibrox as a baptism of fire
A very good performance given the stage, and given that Johnston’s biggest games of his career have come in the MLS. He played for Canada at the World Cup, but in terms of club football, this was the largest game of his career.
But with Juranovic expected to leave come the end of the January window, Johnston needs to hit the ground running as his replacement. So, a decent start and a big contribution in helping Celtic remain nine points clear at the top.
Victor Wanyama, an ex-Celtic player and a teammate of Johnston’s at Montreal Impact, responded with a couple of emojis. As did, goalscorer Kyogo. Both clearly impressed by the new Celtic man’s display in his first outing for the club.
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