Johnson: Neil will want to win nine-ina-row on the pitch
A Celtic Treble-winner has called for the top-flight season to be played out so that the Hoops have every chance to win another clean sweep on the park.
Tommy Johnson scored the goal that clinched the 2001 Premier League title against St Mirren at Parkhead.
He then played in the Scottish Cup Final win over Hibs that clinched the Treble for Martin O’Neill.
Johnson is adamant his former club are worthy champions, whether there is an asterisk beside the 2020 title triumph or not.
He told The Sunday Post: “We are living through strange times and people at the top of football organisations, all over the world, are trying to come up with answers and solutions. It’s not easy.
“The game in Scotland has made strides in recent days with the conclusion of the three lower leagues.
“It could well be the Premiership follows the same path in the next week or two.
“Neil Lennon is a former teammate and, knowing him as I do, this is not a situation he would have wanted.
“He’ll be desperate to get the season up and running again, and for all the fixtures to be fulfilled.
“The ideal outcome is that the games get played – even if it takes until June or July – and Celtic win it.
“But maybe the game can’t wait that long, and something will be declared sooner.
“That will be up to the SPFL hierarchy to decide.
“If that is the case, then Celtic deserve proper congratulations.
“Nobody could say they haven’t won it fairly and deserve to be Champions.
“It’s not their fault that coronavirus has brought the world to a halt.
“They have put in huge amounts of hard work in the past nine months to build up their lead at the top of the table.
“They managed to overcome a massive setback just before the winter break when they lost to Rangers at Parkhead.
“But they bounced back to go on a magnificent run and they are 13 points clear, although Rangers have a game in hand.
“I don’t think many would argue that Celtic look certainties to make it nine-in-a-row.
“Ifthatisthecase,it’sjusta pity that will not be celebrated in the normal manner.
“If social distancing is still in place, then it’s highly unlikely the fans will be able to go to Celtic Park for aparty.
“Everyone might have to wait a number of months.
“I know Scott Brown and the players have had their fair share of celebrations over the years, but you don’t want to miss out on any of them.
“Winning silverware is very special and should never be taken for granted. They will be gutted if it can’t be done in the traditional manner.
“When you look at Dundee United having their celebrations on Zoom the other day, it hammers home the point. It’s far from ideal.
“I was very fortunate to be at the club in 1998 – when we stopped Rangers doing 10-in-a-row – and 2001, and to be a part of such special days with Celtic and the supporters is a massive a part of my life.”
Apart from the title, Lennon’s men are also in the hunt to win a quadruple Treble.
With the Betfred League Cup already in the bag, they are in the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-finals and face Aberdeen, with Hibs and Hearts in the other tie.
Johnson, now Celtic’s head of recruitment, thinks that has been overlooked in recent weeks.
Hesaid:“Celtichavewonthelast 10 domestic trophies. They are almost certainties to win the League again and that would make it 11 straight trophies.
“It just leaves the Scottish Cup to make up the full set for the fourth season-in-a-row. It’s quite incredible.
“We don’t really know what’s happening with the Scottish Cup, asallthefocushasbeenonhowto resolve the League issues.
“But this tournament shouldn’t be forgotten or cast aside.
“This is not just about Celtic. Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs have all worked extremely hard to get to the last four and won some tough ties alongtheway.
“They will not want to see the Cup cancelled because of the current situation.
“All four clubs will feel they have a really good chance of winning this great Cup and they should be given the chance to play it out.
“So the SFA must find room in the calendar to get the semis and Final played.”