Johnston signs new long-term Celtic contract

Johnston quickly established himself as a key player for Celtic

Alistair Johnston has extended his contract at Celtic until 2029, with manager Brendan Rodgers praising the defender's "phenomenal work ethic and attitude".

The Canada international, 26, joined the Scottish champions from Montreal FC in January 2023 and has scored six goals in 79 appearances.

"I have had the best of times, loving every minute as part of such a great institution and I wanted to continue to be part of that," he told the club website.

"It’s an absolute honour to pull that famous jersey on every week and to have achieved so much success with my team-mates already has been so satisfying. But of course, we want more and that is our focus."

Johnston impressed at the 2022 World Cup shortly before his move to Celtic and this week passed the 50-cap mark for his country.

"Everyone at the club felt it crucial that we extend Ali's contract and I am delighted that we have been able to do this," said Rodgers.

"In a relatively short period of time he has established himself as a fantastic player for Celtic, showing real quality and just delivering performance after performance for us, week in, week out."

Rodgers asked about future

Rodgers was asked about his own contract situation, having signed a three-year deal in the summer of 2023 to return for a second spell at Celtic.

Now around halfway through that term having won a league title and Scottish Cup last season while making a strong start to this campaign, the Celtic boss was asked about the potential of staying beyond his current agreement.

"I haven't really thought about it," he said.

"I think for nearly a year, there was probably more people wanting me out than in.

"So I'm not going to be talking about new contracts now. I just need to continue to work well, do my very best for the club.

"And I'm pretty sure at some point next season, we can see how we're going and then take it from there. But at the minute, I love my life here. It's an amazing club to work in.

"Funny enough, going away and coming back has made it even better for me because I knew what I missed when I was away.

"So I'm not in a big rush to be leaving it again."