Alistair Johnston: We have to take care of our business

Alistair Johnston: We have to take care of our business

Alistair Johnston says Celtic’s full focus is on taking care of their own business as the Hoops prepare for another important league fixture away to Hibernian this Sunday in the title race.

The Canadian internationalist made his return from injury in last Saturday’s 3-1 win over Falkirk at Celtic Park, coming off the bench in the closing stages to a brilliant ovation from the home support.

And after a long period on the sidelines, Johnston admitted it was a special moment to be back out on the pitch.

He said: “It was exciting to be back. Obviously, I knew the plan was for me to get some minutes in that match.

'The reception that I got every single time I went to warm up was quite nice. Coming on to the pitch, just being back to where I wanted to be, playing in front of that crowd, was great.'

“It really put everything in perspective because it has been a long slog this whole winter getting through this injury.

“You’re in there six days a week, first ones in, last ones to leave, and it’s tiring. It’s mentally draining as much as it is physically draining, so I’m just happy to be on the other side of it.”

The defender also praised the character of the team after they were made to work hard for the victory against Falkirk, with Daizen Maeda’s late second goal sealing all three points for Martin O’Neill’s side.

Johnston believes the atmosphere inside Celtic Park played a big part and says the players will need to carry that same energy into the final weeks of the campaign.

The defender said: “It’s about winning football matches, and that’s something we’ve really focused on since Martin’s came in.