19-05-2025
Alistair Johnston confesses to Celtic Cup final week jitters but reveals why it has nothing to do with Hampden
The Hoops star reckons Hampden vs Aberdeen will be a walk in the park compared to walking up the aisle
Alistair Johnston is all set for the big day – but it's not the Scottish Cup Final that's got the Celtic star's nerves jangling.
The Canada ace reckons Hampden will be a walk in the park compared to walking up the aisle as he gears up for his wedding next month.
Johnston will tie the knot with long term partner Peyton Pesavento and he's hoping to be celebrating another silver anniversary with Celtic first.
It's already been a season to remember for the full back but the coming weeks could be seriously special for his football and personal life.
Johnston said: 'I am getting married in a few weeks but luckily my missus has done most of the planning.
'We can get the Cup Final done and then I will have a week to get the speeches ready and everything.
'That's sneaking up quick but we have time to get it sorted.
'What will be more nerve-racking? That's a good question!
'I will be more emotional walking up the aisle but we will see.
'Lucky enough, I have had Hampden a few times but this is one-time only for a wedding!'
Johnston and Celtic have proved to be a perfect match since his arrival from Montreal in January 2023.
The 26-year-old is closing in on his EIGHTH winner's medal in just two-and-a-half years with Saturday's showdown with Aberdeen up next.
Johnston has thrown himself into life at Parkhead and Scotland – and he revealed even his bachelor bash went to plan around the last cup competition triumph.
He said: 'We had the stag do after the last League Cup Final. The lads came here and they were probably the most worried people in the whole stadium when the game (against Rangers) went to penalties.
'They were all saying, 'Please let Daizen Maeda score to win it so we can have a great night out!'.
'That was the only night of the stag I could go out and they enjoyed it.
'We had the security out with us and they were getting into rooms they weren't allowed in for the first few nights!
'They were saying…'This is the treatment you get as a Celtic player…you win cups and doors open up!'.
'But they had a great time.'
The good times have kept coming for Johnston at Celtic. Saturday was another special day as the Hoops lifted the Premiership Trophy following the dramatic 1-1 draw with St Mirren.
Celts celebrated in some style – but it will go down as James Forrest Day.
The winger getting the goal he craved in stoppage time to join legends Paul McStay and Jimmy McGrory in scoring in 16 consecutive seasons prompted the kind of roar usually reserved for big European nights.
Johnston admitted he'd NEVER seen a celebration like it.
He said: 'It's a fairytale for James. The celebration for his goal is some of the best 'limbs' I have ever seen.
'Grown men were nearly in tears at the corner and that sums up how much James means to this club. I am really happy for him.
'It's a bummer that we only drew but to keep that streak going for 16 seasons is unbelievable.
'It shows how much he has taken care of himself for over a decade.
'16 seasons? Oh my gosh!
'James is a shy guy but we got him out there and got him talking and lifting the trophy.
'James kissing the badge and running into the corner was genius.
'It's a moment nobody will forget anytime soon.
'It was a moment in Celtic history and I have heard so much about how the fans were wanting him to get that goal and continue the record.
'I have never seen an equaliser celebrated like that in my life.
'It's amazing for him and the club. He just continues to make history and break records.
'The stats are unbelievable and it's going to tough to catch him, unless Callum McGregor tries too!'
It was a champagne moment but Johnston has tipped Forrest to sparkle at the National Stadium as well.
He said: 'You would not bet against him doing something similar at Hampden.
'We played Aberdeen in the semi-final there last season and he was unbelievable when he came on.
'James is not here as a token player, just because of the status he has.
'He still provides something to this team and gives us such a different profile on the wing.
'We have a lot of young players in that position who are direct but maybe lack consistency, which is what happens at that age at a big club.
'But James shows them how to last at a place like Celtic.
'It's about consistency and he takes the ball, protects it and makes the right decisions every time.
'It is really impressive to see him and that is why the gaffer trusts him to come in on big occasions, when things are maybe not going our way.
'You think back towards the end of last season when that was the case.
'James was probably the first name on the teamsheet at that point.
'He still has a lot to offer and hopefully he will go for 17 in a row next season.'
Johnston is on the medal chase now too and he's determined to add to his collection this week.
He said: 'I've been lucky to come into a dressing room with this winning DNA, it's ingrained in the club.
'I've got seven now, going for number eight. I've been lucky to be part of a special group and play a small part.
'I've got a bit to go to catch those guys – James has so many he can't even count them with his fingers and toes!'
