Ross County manager praises Johnston's performance ahead of crucial match.
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In the competitive landscape of Scottish football, few players have made as significant an impact as Alistair Johnston since joining Celtic from Montreal FC in January 2023. The 26-year-old Canadian international has quickly established himself as a key player for the Scottish champions, recently signing a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2029.
His attacking prowess and defensive reliability have made him a standout performer, and as Ross County prepares to face Celtic, manager Don Cowie has highlighted Johnston’s exceptional abilities.
Johnston’s remarkable consistency
Johnston’s journey in Scottish football has been nothing short of impressive.
With six goals to his name, two of which have come against Ross County, he has proven to be a constant threat on the pitch. His ability to score crucial goals, including the decisive strike in last season’s encounter at Parkhead, underscores his importance to the team. Cowie noted, “He’s a real threat. His consistency of performance levels are top, and it just so happens that he seems to score against us when he plays.” This consistency is a testament to Johnston’s hard work and determination to excel in a highly competitive environment.
Ross County’s strategy against Celtic
As Ross County gears up for their match against Celtic, Cowie is acutely aware of the challenges posed by Johnston and his teammates. The manager emphasized the need for his players to be vigilant, stating, “Even as a full-back for the opposition, he’s one that you have to be aware of and think about how you nullify, because he can be pretty relentless from that area.” With County coming off a recent victory against Motherwell, they are looking to build momentum and capitalize on any opportunities that arise during the match.
Inspiration for aspiring players
Cowie believes that Johnston’s success story serves as a source of inspiration for his own players, many of whom aspire to reach higher levels in their careers. He remarked, “Alistair Johnston didn’t come into Scottish football with the biggest reputation here, and I think a lot of people were disappointed when Josip Juranovic left, but as a replacement, Johnston has been outstanding.” This perspective encourages County’s players to recognize their potential and strive for improvement, reinforcing the idea that hard work and dedication can lead to success.
Looking ahead to the match
As the match approaches, both teams are preparing for a crucial encounter that could have significant implications for their respective seasons. Ross County, currently sitting in ninth place, will need to harness their recent form and capitalize on any weaknesses in Celtic’s lineup. With key players like Ronan Hale, who has been in fine scoring form, County aims to challenge Celtic’s dominance. Cowie expressed confidence in his team’s abilities, stating, “Everyone can see the qualities he possesses.” With the stakes high, both teams will be eager to secure a vital victory.
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