Alistair Johnston: Flag Day is always a special day to be involved in | OneFootball

The start of the new season is almost upon us as the Bhoys get set to return to Paradise on Sunday for the league opener.

Brendan Rodgers and his squad kick-off the campaign by welcoming St Mirren to the East End of Glasgow, kick starting the defence of their title.

It has been a busy and productive pre-season for the Hoops, with trips to Ireland, Portugal and Italy setting the tone along with a number of competitive friendly outings.

Following a busy summer, the squad is now raring to go, including Alistair Johnston, who returned to action in the final friendly match against Al-Ahli.

With the new season set to get underway, the Canadian full-back spoke to the media ahead of Sunday’s game, assessing what is set to be a busy start to the season.

But with the hard work put in during pre-season, Johnston believes the squad are now ready to go as they eye up their first three points.

He said: “We’re excited for the season. It’s another fresh slate to start a season here. There’s a lot of talented and hungry players in the group.

“So, it’s another great opportunity for us, but it also starts off pretty heavy as well.

“You’ve got a big month obviously with the Champions League qualifier, and that will really set the tone for how the season’s going to go.

“I always think that there is so much talent within our squad, and also with the young players what they have shown throughout pre-season – they will definitely be able to add something to the squad.

“Overall, I think for anyone watching the pre-season, there was some really good moments barring a half here or there.

“But we learn from that and build on it. I think the morale and quality of the team that we have here is strong enough to go and achieve the goals that we want.

“We have plenty of quality and experience as well.”

For Johnston, this Sunday’s match will mark the third Flag Day he has been involved in as a Celtic player.

On the previous two occasions, the Bhoys have ran out winners against Ross County and Kilmarnock, with two emphatic victories in front of a packed-out Paradise.

The full-back insists it is always a special day to be involved in, and believes it is a good reminder of the hard work from the previous campaign but also sets the Bhoys up for what they are looking to achieve as they aim to defend their title once more.

“Flag Day is always a great day,” he said. “I’ve been lucky enough to be part of a couple of them now.

“We’ve got a bit of Celtic royalty that will be helping to unfurl the flag. It’s always a special day, and a reminder for all of us of how much hard work we put in the previous season.

“It’s always an exciting day and it’s great for ours, and also a good reminder and lesson to all the new boys that come in the door of, this is what this club is all about.

“It’s about raising flags and trophies. I think that always kind of starts the season off in good stead.”

Fixtures

Celtic Vs. St. Mirren - Sun, Aug 3rd 2025, 16:30