ALISTAIR JOHNSTON’S crazy career background is like a story straight out of Hollywood . . . or Dollywood, to be more precise.
The Celtic right-back was a bag of nerves when he was sent to Nashville SC in the 2020 MLS draft.
But it worked out well and he eventually arrived at Celtic – and hasn’t looked back[/caption]
But Johnston reckons his move to the home of Dolly Parton and country music changed the course of his career.
The 26-year-old Canadian opened up on the bizarre experience of that MLS draft, after penning a new five-year deal with the Hoops yesterday.
AJ said: “It’s crazy to think that a lottery of a night with the draft changed everything.
“Maybe if a different team had picked me, I wouldn’t have had the chance to break through.
“Before you know it, I’m bouncing around the MLS without ever finding a home.
“You then don’t get to a place like Celtic, so I got lucky in a way with Nashville.
“The draft was honestly one of the craziest experiences.
“They set up a camera crew at my house and were filming it.
“There was a producer who had a 20-second head start on what was going on.
“I could see that he had every single team’s scarf lined up, waiting for the signal.
“Before I even knew who’d made the pick, he’d take that team’s scarf away.
“So I’d look over at him and say, ‘OK, the Orlando scarf got pulled, so I’m not going there’.
“Likewise, I knew that if he picked one up and held it, I knew I’d be going there.
“But he’d then be moving all the scarves around after a trade had happened, and I’m like, ‘This is insane’.
“North America is so big, meaning you could be sent to Vancouver, where I was born, away on the west-coast.
“But then the next pick is Miami, and you’re away down south-east with a totally different lifestyle.
“You’re constantly thinking, ‘What would my life be like there, there or there?’.
“Everything being so out of your control is really odd.
I’ve started saying ‘Aye’ all the time – multiple family members have brought it up
“I was eventually told it was Nashville, but leading up to that, you have no clue.
“It’s such an emotionally taxing experience. I was just happy I went 11th in the draft — I’m not sure I could have lasted if I went below 20th. It was crazy.”
Johnston embraced Nashville life, and after a stint at CF Montreal, he then joined the Hoops in 2022.
Two years on, he had no hesitation in putting down roots in Glasgow, and admits he loves Scotland, despite being cool on one of our national drinks.
Johnston added: “My fiancee Peyton is from North Carolina so she had already taught me the Southern ways.
“Nashville is just west so I was open to the idea of embracing the Southern charm.
“It took me a while to embrace country music, but after a while I got hooked!
“But I also really love Glasgow and Scotland.
“I’ve started saying ‘Aye’ all the time and multiple family members have brought it up.
“I’ve tried Irn Bru, which was OK, but the colour of it, you think that should be getting poured into an engine!
“I like a Scotch and my dad loves it, so I always have to have a nice bottle for him when he comes over.
“Golf is another one and we’ve got a good group here who like to play. I’ve played some courses that are way better than my skill level.
The couple have put down roots in Glasgow – and Johnston is now staying for longer[/caption]
He loves life in Scotland – but isn’t so sure about the national drink[/caption]
“I hacked it around Troon and Turnberry was a disaster, I lost 30 balls on the back nine!
“A lot has happened to me since I moved to Scotland.
“We got engaged at Turnberry and we got a dog, which is like starting a family in some ways.
“So we’ve set up quite a few roots here now and we’ve really enjoyed our time.
“That’s something that wasn’t lost on myself or my fiancee in terms of making this decision.
“It’s a place where we feel really comfortable and it wasn’t difficult to sign.
“The club wanted a new contract as a priority, and they made it clear they value me.
“You want to be part of something that feels important, and that’s what Celtic gives you.
Glasgow grannies and dog-walks in disguise
By DAVID OLIVER
ALISTAIR JOHNSTON says a ‘heavy disguise’ is part of his make-up every day in Glasgow.
But he stood tall when handed the Celtic captain’s armband for a 3-0 win against Motherwell last month.
The defender grabbed his 50th cap for Canada in the international break – another honour to add to his growing collection.
And the Premier Sports Cup could be next with the Hoops in the final against rivals Rangers in December.
It’s one Johnston is looking forward to against his club’s big rivals – one that takes a daily toll on his everyday life in Glasgow, even to the point of affecting how he walks his DOG.
He told the Canadian Press when he goes out “it’s normally under pretty heavy disguise” during the day time.
The right-back added: “In Nashville and Montreal I could walk through the streets and not get any abuse. Over here, every single person knows who you are and they either love you or they hate you,
“I’ve had my fair share of pep talks and scoldings from grandmothers on the street.
“The passion for the sport, it’s second to none.
“It’s something I’ve learned, that I’m not going to be there for ever so cherish it while you are there because it’s not normal — and it’s not normal to a lot of cities in the world and it’s not normal to a lot of players, no matter what club you play for.
“It’s definitely a unique experience but I’ve enjoyed it.”
“I have been lucky enough to be part of many in the last two years, and hopefully there are more to come.”
Still only 26, Johnston revealed he would never rule out ending his career at the champions.
He said: “I am not that far-sighted, but if you could stand the test of time and the demands at Celtic, that would be just unbelievably special.
“Only really a handful of guys can go out and do that. Callum McGregor and James Forrest are among the most decorated and legendary players here.
“It’s not often that happens but we will see.
“I have five more years, and hopefully I can do well enough that I can think of an extension down the line again.”
Celts boss Brendan Rodgers hailed Johnston’s personality, and insists the new deal is smart business for all parties.
He said: “The club is really good at getting players committed to long-term contracts.
“It doesn’t always mean that they will be there for that length of time, but at least it protects the asset.
“Ali loves being at Celtic, and he has the voice and personality to be a success here.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time working with him.
“I can see his development and I can see him growing.
“He’s got so many attributes on and off the pitch that really help this team and this club.”
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