Reliable full-back Alistair Johnston has enjoyed much success since signing for Celtic in the January transfer window of 2023.
With four trophies to his name in less than 18 months, and with the prospect of another following Saturday's Scottish Cup Final 2024 against Rangers at Hampden, the Canadian's trajectory in Glasgow has been impressive.
The 25-year-old is also a favourite among Celtic fans, but, as a wide player in Brendan Rodgers' starting 11, he's also in the immediate line of fire of supporters who have things to get off their chests.
In conversation with the Celtic FC Podcast, Johnston was asked specifically about the things he hears from the stands when playing so close to the touchline.
With a smile on his face, he said: "Yeah, especially if it's 0-0 and it's 15 minutes in and I just pass the ball backwards to [Cameron Carter-Vickers] – I normally get a bit of stick!"
Johnston turned to his teammate Liam Scales, also on the podcast, and added: "You know about that, playing on the left side.
"Sometimes the centre-mids don't understand how insulated they are, being in the middle of the pitch, we get a lot of it.
"I'm probably the happiest whenever we score an early goal because it's like, okay then, everyone can pipe down and the positivity can come out."
Johnston also spoke about his bond with the Celtic faithful, suggesting his outgoing Canadian personality has helped endear him to people in Glasgow – not to mention the fact that he enjoys throwing himself into challenges.
"I feel like I'm pretty open with all of [the fans]," said Johnston. "I can connect with them, we're pretty blue collar people over in Canada.
"I think with how I play the game… for me it's being able to play professionally, to have now heard the Champions League anthem, to represent my country at a World Cup, I'm only 25 but I feel like I've ticked a lot of things off my bucket list.
"I guess the supporters can connect with me in that aspect because I'm just out there enjoying it.
"And also, I don't think it hurts that I love a tackle, and I love the fight of it."
