Johnston Hails Progress After Draw, Targets Cup Final Return

Celtic defender Alistair Johnston considers his team’s disappointment at securing only a point against Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia to be an indicator of advancement. Johnston, who was substituted at halftime due to a hip-flexor injury sustained in the first half, contributed to maintaining a clean sheet and securing Celtic’s ninth Champions League point of the season. “It’s a great sign,” the Canada right-back said.”I think since I’ve got here, that was one of the big things I’ve been told and has been pushed to me. “We want to make strides in Europe and to think now that we’re coming to away matches, it doesn’t matter who the team is, but we are a little disappointed we only got to draw. “I think that is a sign of things to come and again there’s still levels to go because we know we do have the quality in this team to have found a winner there, but at the same time it wasn’t our night.” Johnston expressed his desire to be fit for the League Cup final on Sunday at Hampden, where Celtic will face Rangers, aiming to further enhance his significant collection of medals since arriving at the club. “I didn’t want to do any more damage, potentially, and we weren’t really sure exactly what’s going on with it,” he said of his injury. “We’ll get home and have a good look at it.” “That’s a match that’s circled on the calendar, it’s one I want to be a part of to have a chance to lift the trophy.”It’s the first trophy of the season. It’s something we’d love to add to our collection, end this calendar year on a on a high note.”