Full-back out to build momentum with double

CELTIC full-back Alistair Johnston is determined to wrap up a league and cup double to ensure he heads into this summer’s Copa America with Canada full of confidence.

The former MLS defender helped Mauro Biello’s side to see off Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 in Texas last week in their Nations League play-off final during the international break to set up a date with Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the opening match in Atlanta in June.

Canada face a daunting Group A section which, as well as Copa America and world champions Argentina, includes Peru and Chile.

And Johnston, who made his World Cup debut in Qatar in 2022, is hoping to build his own momentum ahead of the finals in the United States by helping Celtic to retain their Premiership and Scottish Cup crowns come May.

Brendan Rodgers’ side are two points point behind Rangers at the top of the league table, but with today’s game against Livingston and next weekend’s third derby of the season coming up at Ibrox before Rangers have the chance to play the postponed clash against Dundee, Celtic could take the initiative in the title race in the coming week.

The Parkhead side also have a Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden against managerless Aberdeen on April 20 to negotiate as they look to clinch a second double in three years.

But first up is today’s trip to the plastic pitch against Premiership bottom-markers Livingston, and Johnston is hoping to continue to build up a head of steam as the domestic season comes into its final stages.

“All of that [is important],” Johnston said. “You just want positive vibes going into it. It is a massive opportunity for us as a nation to go and show we belong, a huge opportunity.

“We have tons of players playing at top clubs now and we want all of them going in ideally fully fit.

“We are not as deep as a lot of countries where if we have a player get hurt, we have another guy playing in a top-five league waiting to fill in.

“Just getting those experiences playing at a top level, playing against an Argentina – the World Cup holders –even the rest of them: Chile and Peru. I think on paper it is arguably stronger than our World Cup group and it was difficult as well.

“So, it is a great lead in going into our World Cup. Ideally you have lifted the title before that and you are going into it fully confident.”