Alistair Johnston admits he would love to hit the levels of Josip Juranovic .But Celtic 's new £3 million signing is determined to be his own man as he immediately aims to add another half decade at Parkhead onto the five-year deal he has just signed.
Juranovic is gearing for the monumental World Cup semi-final tonight against Argentina. The Croatian’s displays Celtic and in Qatar have set the benchmark for his fellow right-back as the Canadian sets about making his own strides in Glasgow’s East End Johnston could end up as Juranovic ’s long-term replacement with the Croat attracting massive transfer interest.
For the time being, Johnston says he will be inspired and learn from both his new colleague and Anthony Ralston, whilst also maintaining a desire to do his own thing. He explained: “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.
"As much as I’d love to be like Josip, he plays a completely different style to me. 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, see how he does things.
“ 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.”
Johnston spoke with Juranovic in Qatar after Canada lost to the Croats and he said: “He was one of the best players on the pitch and he’s been showing that the whole World Cup. When I walked off the pitch that I thought: Yeah, he’s a top, top player.
“Whenever you get a chance to see someone that, hopefully, I will be close with in the near future and you get to see them competing at this high, high level, not only that but representing your country at a World Cup, he is definitely the type of guy I would look up to us a full-back.
“Celtic want young talented players who have an edge to them. I think I fit that mould and the other two right backs do as well, so I’ll have to fight for my place and, hopefully, earn some minutes.
“I know that nothing is going to be given and everything is going to be earned. That’s something that all young aspiring footballers always want. An opportunity.”
Johnston joined Celtic on a deal until 2027 from MLS outfit Montreal and can’t wait to get started. The defender will first be available for the January meeting with Rangers after the transfer window opens.
Asked if he’d be ready to go for boss Ange Postecoglou at Ibrox, he said: “To play January 2 would be pretty special. I’ll be ready for it, oh yeah.” Johnston also smiled when it was put to him what would represent a successful five years as he said: “Another five years after that, probably!”
The Canadian will now train with the squad until he’s registered next month and says the time will be put to good use in terms of integration. Johnston said: “That’s one of the things the manager brought up with me.
That transition’s not easy, especially from me coming from a season where, in the MLS, the season starts in January and ends in November.
“I’ve had a full calendar year, pretty much. Straight to a World Cup and then straight here. So the manager understands that there’s a lot going on physically, mentally. Getting settled into a city halfway across the world again takes times.
"So, to a degree, it’s good to get out there and meet the guys, train with the guys. At the same time, though, I can also focus on the off-the-field stuff to make sure that I’m fully prepared when January gets here to hit the ground running.”
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