PARTY PLANNER
Celtic star Alistair Johnston insists he doesn’t care about Rangers guard of honour as he eyes pre-Ibrox title party
The Hoops ace has revealed his front-runner to be the club's player of the year
ALISTAIR JOHNSTON says he couldn’t care less if Rangers give Celtic a title guard of honour at Ibrox.
The post-split fixtures have set the Hoops up to clinch the league with a point at Dundee United on April 26.
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Their next game will be the final Old Firm derby of the season on Sunday, May 4.
But Johnston shrugged off the question of whether Rangers will line up to clap the new champs on to the park in Govan, as has become tradition in recent seasons.
The Canadian full-back said: “Would I expect it? I wouldn’t say I’d expect it.
“The situation is what it is. We’re not too bothered if someone gives us a guard of honour or not.
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“We just want to be lifting a trophy on the final day of the league season — that’s our biggest focus.
“Whatever happens in between is up to the other teams. That’s another thing I’ve learned since I’ve been here, don’t fret about things that are out of your control.
“If you do, you’re going to lose a lot of sleep, and that can take you down some pretty deep and dark rabbit holes.
“For me, it’s just about controlling what we can control — and that’s something that’s very out of our control.
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“Hopefully we can take care of business up in Dundee first.
“Dundee United have had a great season and their place isn’t easy to go. They have made it a really strong place since they came up.
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“We know it will be difficult, but you know when you’re that close to it then it’s a little extra motivation for the guys and something we’re all very excited for.
“Hopefully we can wrap the league up, then go to Ibrox and play really freely and enjoy that match.
“But we have massive matches before then.”
Johnston helped launch Celtic’s Player of the Year awards yesterday, with fans able to vote online.
As for who should win the end-of-season awards, the right-back says it’s hard to overlook 31-goal hitman Daizen Maeda.
The 26-year-old added: “It’s tough to look past Daizen, that goal record speaks for itself.
“He’s the front-runner — and he would be a very deserving winner.”
Meanwhile, Johnston would be delighted if Manager of the Year candidate Brendan Rodgers extended his stay at Parkhead beyond the final year of his current deal.
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He said: “His resume speaks for itself in terms of not only his time here, but outside Scotland.
“He’s a winner, simple as that. He’s a manager you LOVE to play for.
“Hopefully, there’s something that can keep him here long term.
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“Between him and John Kennedy, they have fine-tuned my game and brought me into the finest form I’ve ever been in.”
Celtic fans can vote for their Player of the Year from Thursday at www.celticfc.com.
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