Hutton issues ‘big’ Alistair Johnston claim after what he’s seen at Celtic
Alan Hutton has hailed Alistair Johnston for facing his “biggest test” in his first game for Celtic.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Rangers defender was impressed by Johnston who could not have had a more difficult debut for the Hoops.
The 24-year-old was in the starting XI for the first time in the 2-2 draw against the Gers on Monday (2 January).
He took the place of World Cup star Josip Juranovic who was on the bench.
Johnston joined the Parkhead club from CF Montreal this month for £3million and was one of the standout players in a lacklustre Celtic performance against their biggest rivals.
As quoted by the Scotsman after the game (2 January), Ange Postecoglou was pleased with the Canadian’s performance given the occasion but insisted there is “more to come” from the right-back.
When asked if he was impressed with the way Johnston handled himself, Hutton told Football Insider: “I do not think it gets any harder.
“He has been at the club a few weeks, he has been able to train, he knows his surroundings within Celtic.
“For your first game to be at Ibrox with the noise, the way it is, the aggression, how you have to play and handle it, it is huge and your biggest test.
“I thought he handled it really well. He looks an aggressive player, he does not look scared of the occasion which is a great thing. First impressions were that he handled his own really well.“
In other news, McManus has backed Celtic response after club suffers from ‘shocking’ development.