GLASGOW/TORONTO — Celtic and Canada defender Alistair Johnston says he has “learned his lesson” about hamstring recovery as he targets a return to club action for the Scottish Premiership’s post-split fixtures next month. The 27-year-old is currently in camp with the Canadian men’s national team strictly as a training participant and is set to swap the pitch for the studio this week, making his debut as a guest television host in his home country.

Alistair Johnston: Key Facts

  • Age: 27 (Born 8 October 1998 in Vancouver, B.C.)
  • Position: Right-Back
  • Current Club: Celtic FC (Scottish Premiership), since 2022
  • Market Value: €8.00 million (approx. $11.6 million CAD)
  • International: 56 caps for Canada Men’s National Team
  • Height/Weight: 180 cm, 74 kg (5’11”, 165 lb)

Latest Developments

In interviews published 27 March 2026, Johnston revealed his targeted timeline for a playing return. “In an ideal world, I would like to be back in time for the split,” he told media, referring to the point in the Scottish Premiership season when the league table splits into top-six and bottom-six sections for the final five matches.

His season has been “ruined” by two serious hamstring injuries that eventually required surgery. However, Johnston is now back in light training and feeling positive. “I’ve learned my lesson about hamstring injury recovery,” he said, acknowledging he may have rushed back too quickly from his first setback.

While he won’t feature in Canada’s upcoming matches, Johnston was keen to join the national team camp for training sessions. Canada head coach Jesse Marsch confirmed the defender “wanted” to be with the squad, despite concerns from Celtic manager Martin O’Neill about his recovery schedule.

Surprise Role Away From Pitch

During his recovery, Johnston is set to make his debut as a guest host on a Canadian sports television programme, adding a temporary media role to his resume. The appearance is scheduled for the evening of 27 March 2026.

This comes as Celtic anticipates a “timely fitness boost” following the international break, with Johnston and other injured players expected to rejoin the squad. The right-back’s absence has forced Celtic to deploy midfielders Reo Hatate and Yang Hyun-Jun in unfamiliar full-back roles at times this season.

Background and Context

Johnston joined Celtic from CF Montréal in December 2022 and quickly became a first-team regular. Before his move to Scotland, he played two MLS seasons with Nashville SC, making 44 appearances. The bilingual defender (English and French) comes from a soccer family—his father, Bill Johnston, was a goalkeeper in the Canadian Soccer League.

At international level, Johnston has been a mainstay for Canada since his debut, earning 56 caps and starting 50 matches. He was part of Canada’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and is expected to feature in their plans for the 2026 tournament, which Canada will co-host.

Related Coverage

  • Celtic’s Injury Crisis: Fan forums and commentators have noted that Celtic’s “problem are with leadership, not strength” as the club deals with multiple absences in key positions.
  • World Cup Draw Watch: Johnston commented this week that Canada has “no preference” for their UEFA Path A opponent for the 2026 World Cup, stating “it’s not an easy pathway for any of them.” The draw will finalise Canada’s Group B opponents alongside Qatar and Switzerland.
  • Market Value: Despite his injury-plagued season, Johnston’s market value remains at €8.00 million, reflecting his importance to both club and country when fit.

Canada Wire compiles reporting from multiple sources including Canadian Soccer Daily, The Scottish Sun, Yahoo Sports, and official club and federation communications. All currency conversions approximate.

Topics: Alistair Johnston, Celtic FC, Canada Men’s National Soccer Team, Scottish Premiership, Soccer Injuries, Canadian Athletes Abroad