Alistair Johnston has spoken to the media today as Celtic aim to go 15 matches unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership when Hibernian visit Glasgow’s east end tomorrow.
The Bhoys come into this one after defeating Aberdeen at Pittodrie, with Reo Hatate’s late strike enough to settle the spoils on a dreary night in the North East.
Enjoying a free midweek, Hibernian arrive following a momentum-boosting triumph away at Motherwell to lift themselves off the foot of the table.
After Celtic extended their lead in the Scottish Premiership to seven points against a direct competitor for top spot, inevitable theories have started circulating over whether Brendan Rodgers can lead his side to an unbeaten season.
On hand to answer the million-dollar question, Alistair Johnston has given his thoughts on the path his side could tread between now and May.
Alistair Johnston on whether Celtic can have an unbeaten season
Despite a promising start to the campaign, Johnston has poured cold water on the notion that Celtic could go unbeaten as the Scottish Premiership is a far more competitive league that some give it credit for.
He stated when prompted: “No, it’s way too early for that. Again, I’ve not been a part of any team that’s done anything like that, I’m not actually sure when the last team was that did that, but it’s something that’s so far down the road.
This league is so competitive; a lot of people from other places might say that the Scottish League isn’t that difficult, but having played in it, every single match is difficult. It’s not just the teams, the environments, the pitches; you’re constantly playing against something different.
“It’s not going to be easy and again, we’re just focused on Hibs at the weekend and hopefully we can keep that winning streak going.”
Celtic won’t get ahead of themselves despite optimism
Optimism is needed at Celtic and is welcomed. Everyone knows how special this season could be with some luck and quality performances to continue their momentum.
However, there is still a lot of football to be played. By no means is an unbeaten season impossible, but it isn’t something at the forefront of the mind right now.
Celtic just need to keep winning and the level of progress they make on that front can be reviewed further down the line.
For now, taking three points against Hibernian is the only priority. Hopefully, another happy Saturday can be in store for the support.
Alistair Johnston has spoken ahead of Celtic’s home clash against Hibernian tomorrow and has cast his eye to their chances of progressing in the Champions League.
While their Scottish Premiership form has been almost impeccable with 13 victories and one draw, the Bhoys have also made their mark on the European scene after a series of impressive displays.
Standing above the rest, Celtic’s victory over RB Leipzig on matchday four sent a message that they are able to compete at Champions League level. Equally, their win at home to Slovan Bratislava and draws against Atalanta and Club Brugge have painted a picture of confidence.
With three league phase matches remaining, the Bhoys know they realistically only need one win to see themselves over the line.
Achieving a playoff would be a major sign of collective growth. Still, there is still work to be done, which Alistair Johnston ran the rule over earlier today before his side take on Hibernian.
Alistair Johnston on Celtic’s Champions League prospects
Speaking ahead of Celtic’s tussle with Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership, Johnston revealed that the dressing room are ‘really excited’ about what the next few months could have to offer in Europe’s premier competition.
He also touched on how the Champions League keeps the group motivated domestically, stating: “It’s definitely something we’d aspired to have and aimed to have going into this season based on what we had last year, that was one of our bih things that we wanted to take a massive step forward on was progress on the European side of things.
“And aside form that, we want to be doing into matches in the New Year in a competitive spot where we have a chance to qualify. We’re still in that position; it keeps all the guys, the whole squad, really excited for the rest of this couple of months.
Also, it just provides a really good challenge. It reminds you that domestically, what you need to do to be playing in matches like that, you need to win the league, and potentially, that might not be enough next year.
“We’re going to have to go into some round of qualifiers no matter what place you finish. You know, it really kind of reminds you how important the league is to be dominant domestically so you can have the chance to play at Celtic Park on those Champions League nights and play in those massive matches.
“I think that’s something that this whole group has really taken to and embraced those kind of nights, it’s kind of gone hand in hand I’d say.”
Celtic taking their hefty schedule one game at a time
Next week is a defining one for Celtic, with a Champions League encounter away to Dinamo Zagreb followed by the Premier Sports Cup final against Rangers.
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