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The Canadian international has credited Victor Wanyama for influencing his transfer and aiding his adaptation to Scottish football at Celtic.
Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has played a pivotal role in Alistair Johnston’s successful integration into Celtic, as revealed by the Canadian defender himself.
Johnston, who joined the Scottish giants from CF Montreal, where he previously played under Wanyama’s mentorship, has started the new season with impressive form, attributing much of his progress to the Kenyan midfielder’s guidance.
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In a recent appearance on ‘Footy Prime The Podcast,’ Johnston spoke candidly about his transition to Celtic, noting how Wanyama’s endorsement was crucial.
"Victor was unbelievable,” Johnston said.
“He knew my personality. That’s something I learned, the people who succeed at Celtic and these clubs need to have a big personality. I think that he knew deep down that I was the perfect fit for that.”
Johnston’s move to Celtic came just weeks after Wanyama had recommended him, emphasizing his potential fit within the club's culture and playing style.
“When I got his badge of ‘Yeah, he’s the right man for it, you’re the right guy to go there,’ that was exciting,” Johnston shared, illustrating the confidence Wanyama had in his capabilities.
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Wanyama’s tenure at Celtic is fondly remembered by the club’s faithful.
During his two years in Glasgow, he became known for his robust playing style and critical contributions in midfield, which eventually earned him a move to Southampton in 2013, and later to Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League.
Now playing in Major League Soccer (MLS), Wanyama’s influence at Celtic still resonates, as he continues to impact the club indirectly through his recommendations.
Johnston’s recent performances underscore the significance of Wanyama’s judgment.
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After an inconsistent first term, the right-back has become a key player in the early stages of the current season.
He notably set up Daizen Maeda for the opener in the fiercely contested Glasgow derby and scored his third goal for the club the previous week against St. Mirren.
His growing influence on the team highlights his adaptation and comfort with the high expectations at Celtic.
Reflecting on his debut at Ibrox, Johnston recounted how unexpected his inclusion in the starting eleven was and how it initially caused some tension among his new teammates.
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His ability to overcome these early challenges and to establish himself as a reliable member of the squad speaks volumes about his character and resilience, traits that Wanyama likely spotted early on.
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