Alistair Johnston pens new Celtic deal as Brendan Rodgers praises 'phenomenal' full-back

Alistair Johnston has signed a new contract with Celtic until the summer of 2029, and says more success is the squad's "focus".

The Canada right-back, who passed the 50-cap mark for his country over the international break, joined in a five-year deal in late 2022 from Montreal in the MLS and has now committed to a longer stay at Celtic Park.

He's already racked up 79 appearances, and six goals in that time, establishing himself as an integral part of this Hoops side in his first two years at the club. The 26-year-old now says it is an "absolute honour" to play for the club and wants more success, with manager Brendan Rodgers praising the defender's "phenomenal work ethic and attitude".

READ MORE: Kieran Tierney Celtic return would be 'unbelievable' but Scott Brown sets Arsenal challenge

READ MORE: Barry Ferguson snaps back at Michael Beale as Rangers legend riled by 'snake' rant

“I am just delighted to extend my contract with Celtic,” Johnston told the Hoops’ official website.

“I got a brilliant welcome to the club in 2022 and ever since I have had the best of times, loving every minute as part of such a great institution and I wanted to continue to be part of that.

“It’s an absolute honour to pull that famous jersey on every week and to have achieved so much success with my team-mates already has been so satisfying. But of course, we want more and that is our focus. It is a real delight to be working day in, day out in such a great set-up, working with the gaffer and the staff who have such ambition for success and with such a great group of lads in the team.

“Of course my team-mates have been everything to me – it is a brilliant dressing room I am privileged to be part of, with real quality guys beside me and I know we are all, collectively looking to work as hard as we can to bring our fans even more success over the next few years.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was delighted to secure Johnston on a deal for the next four and a half years.

“It is fantastic news for the club and our fans that Ali has agreed this new contract,” he said.

“In a relatively short period of time he has established himself as a fantastic player for Celtic, showing real quality and just delivering performance after performance for us, week in, week out.

“He has a phenomenal work ethic and attitude, brilliant hunger and positivity, such an honest love for the game and a real desire to improve in everything he does.

“These are the qualities which make a great player and he has certainly been that for Celtic. Everyone at the club felt it crucial that we extend Ali’s contract with Celtic and I am delighted that we have been able to do this.”