Alistair Johnston knows Josip Juranovic has set the standard he must reach at Celtic - but maintains he's ready to forge his own path to success.
Ange Postecoglou's latest signing was unveiled at Celtic Park yesterday after completing a move from CF Montreal, all while representing Canada at the World Cup. The 24-year-old will also jostle with Scotland international Anthony Ralston to claim a right-back role for which there is serious competition.
Juranovic - set to feature for Croatia against Argentina in Tuesday night's semi-final - has been linked with a departure in recent weeks, and his performances at Qatar 2022 have only served to further fuel speculation. Johnston admitted being impressed by his new team-mate when Croatia beat Canada 4-1 in the group stage, but is confident he can prove himself.
“As much as I’d love to be like Josip, he plays a completely different style to me," Johnston insisted. "That’s just the nature of the game. There are things in his game I’d love to incorporate into mine, so I’ll pick his brains and watch how he trains.
“Anthony Ralston is a top player, as well, he possesses traits I’d love to incorporate into my game. As you progress, you need to take all those things on board.
“For me, Josip has a super high level and I’d love to reach that. But it’s about becoming a better version of myself, wherever that ends up being on the scale. I’m not sure if that lines up with him, but if I keep getting better every day, I’ll hit a pretty good spot.”
Johnston says he's fully aware of the weight of expectation that accompanies his five-year deal, but stressed he's absolutely ready to handle the pressure.
"This club, if you don’t win, there will be questions asked," he said. "That's what you want, to be in a place that puts you into the best situation to win trophies. Celtic have shown that their entire history. You want to be under pressure. This club is at a really cool stage and I think it’s going to continue to grow for the next couple of years."
