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Alistair Johnston smirks at loaded 'Rangers are coming' question before Celtic star gets honest on pressure cooker

The Hoops sit a point clear at the top of the Premiership during the international break having played a game more than their rivals.

Celtic star Alistair Johnston
Celtic star Alistair Johnston

Celtic star Alistair Johnston has lifted the lid on the pressure of playing at Parkhead amid the title fight with Rangers.

The Scottish Premiership flag race is set to go all the way with Brendan Rodgers' side going into the international break top of the pile with a win over St Johnstone - having played a game more than the Light Blues with Rangers final clash before the league was paused being called off. With derby day just around the corner and only a point separating the two Glasgow giants, all eyes are on the battle - including in Canada.


While on international duty, the right-back saw Celtic's tussle to keep the Scottish title in Glasgow's east end come under scrutiny as he sat down with Kristian Jack from Canadian outlet One Soccer. He was put on the spot about the current campaign with Philippe Clement's side chasing down the league leaders.


READ MORE: I'm going to raise eyebrows but Rangers star duo both miss out on being named my player of the year – Kenny MillerREAD MORE: I sense Brendan Rodgers will answer Celtic charges at show trial conducted by a bunch of wagon circlers – Hugh Keevins

He quizzed: "How has the season been? I know you have been playing a lot and Rangers are coming now. Do you lie awake at night after a bad game, and then a great game? How have you managed your own expectations?"

That brought a smirk out of Johnston before he responded: "It is difficult. You can feel the pressure. It's nothing like I experienced in the MLS just because first of all, the rivalry is just a lot deeper."

Jack joked: "Just a little?" The Canadian laughed before opening up on the pressures on the changeover at the end of the Anne Postecoglou era.

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He said: "Just a little. You share the same city so you know when you walk out the door you are going to be loved or hated.

"That is an interesting thing that you have to learn and deal with quickly. But at the same time you feel the pressure and you are expected to win. Not only are you expected to win, but you are expected to win in a certain way.

Cyriel Dessers dallies and is closed down by Alistair Johnston
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"We have felt that a lot this year and that has been difficult. There has not been quite as long of that period of grace given when there is a lot of change and a new manager coming in.

"At these clubs there is no time to have that period where you say 'ok, things are new' - it's not like that at these massive clubs. It's straight in, the pressure is there right from the get go. The expectations are there so dealing with that it takes a big personality.

"That is what I have found at that level - you need to have a level of mental fortitude, perseverance and resilience because not every day is going to be as great as it seems to the outside world. There is a tonne of pressure."

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Celtic FCRangers FCAlistair JohnstonScottish PremiershipMajor League SoccerBrendan RodgersPhilippe ClementAnge Postecoglou
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