Mark Wilson has defended Alistair Johnston amid criticism over his role in Ryan Kent’s goal for Rangers against Celtic on Monday.
The Bhoys headed to Ibrox on Monday with Ange Postecoglou springing something of a surprise before a ball was even kicked.
Postecoglou decided to give a first start to new signing Alistair Johnston, picking him over Josip Juranovic at right back.
There is being thrown in at the deep end, and then there is making your debut in an Old Firm game.
Johnston, who has arrived from CF Montreal after shining for Canada at the World Cup in Qatar, equipped himself well at Ibrox.
Johnston was comfortable on the ball, supported the attack well and looked confident when playing in an infield role as Postecoglou likes.
Mark Wilson defends Celtic new boy Alistair Johnston
There was maybe one blot on Johnston’s copy book.
Rangers scored their equaliser just after half-time and it came down Johnston’s side.
Ryan Kent was able to square up Johnston before shifting the ball onto his right foot and rattling a shot into the net.
Celtic at least didn’t lose, securing a 2-2 draw with Kyogo Furuhashi’s late goal.
Pundit Mark Wilson – a former Celtic right back himself – has now offered his take on Johnston’s performance.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Wilson suggested that he felt Johnston played well given that he hasn’t been at Celtic all that long.
Wilson also noted that he had seen some fans criticising Johnston for his defending against Kent.
Wilson doesn’t agree though, suggesting that it was just a great bit of work from Kent and Johnson should be pleased with his performance.
“I thought Alistair Johnston, for a player who has only been at the club for four weeks and has only trained with his team-mates and not played, did well.”
“On social media, which is never a great barometer to judge things by, people were saying he could have done better for Ryan Kent’s goal.
“I just think it is a good piece of play from Kent and that Johnston can be happy with his Celtic debut.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
