Ange sold me on Celtic switch, reveals Johnston

CELTIC’s latest signing Alistair Johnston has revealed that a personal pitch from Ange Postecoglou sold him on a move to Glasgow.

Tied up on a five-year deal after featuring in all three of Canada’s group games at the World Cup, the 24-year-old has been confirmed as Celtic’s second signing ahead of the January transfer window.

He follows Japanese defender Yuki Kobayashi, who has already arrived in Scotland from Vissel Kobe.

Familiar with the Parkhead club following some rave reviews from former Celt Victor Wanyama, Johnston spoke to Postecoglou ahead of his switch from MLS side CF Montreal and was hooked on the Australian’s plans for the future.

He told Celtic TV: ‘Ange was the one who really sold me on the club. He told me what he is looking to do with this squad over the next couple of years.

‘He is looking for young, driven players who want to make the next step and compete at the top stage of Europe.

‘That just clicked with me and felt right.’

After resting following his exploits in Qatar, Johnston will meet up with his new teammates next week and will be registered from January 1.

Among the sides he faced at the World Cup were Croatia, a team featuring Josip Juranovic, the man he has ostensibly been signed to replace.

The Parkhead club are ready to entertain offers for Juranovic after a breakdown in contract talks, but Johnston insists he won’t necessarily be a straight replacement for the right-back.

He said: ‘I played a little bit differently at the World Cup than I do normally. In Canada I normally play right centreback in more of a hybrid role.

‘I like a tackle and I like to cover the ground. In a back three I like to play in possession like the Sheffield (United) team of a couple of years ago as an overlapping centre-back.’

Speaking at the club’s recent AGM, Postecoglou declared himself happy with the new signing, saying: ‘He’s someone we identified pretty early on as somebody we think can add to our club.

‘He’s had an interesting career path where he’s had to work very hard to get to where he is. We’re very happy to conclude the deal and knowing he was going to the World Cup, I think he performed well there as well.’