Celtic FC has made a significant addition to their squad by signing goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, pending international clearance. The 33-year-old England international will bolster Celtic's goalkeeping options, joining fellow keepers Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan.
Johnstone brings a wealth of experience to Celtic, having spent over a decade in English football. He began his professional career with Manchester United in 2011 and has since played for several clubs, including a notable stint at West Bromwich Albion. Most recently, he has been with Wolves for the past two seasons, where he made 17 appearances last season.
In addition to his club experience, Johnstone has represented England at the international level, earning four caps and impressively keeping a clean sheet in each of those matches. His experience and track record make him a valuable asset for Celtic as they aim for success in domestic and international competitions.
Upon joining Celtic, Johnstone expressed his excitement about the move, stating, "It’s a great feeling, I’m buzzing to be here and I’m excited to get going." He noted that he did not require much persuasion to join the club, but a call from veteran goalkeeper Joe Hart reaffirmed the club's stature and the quality of its squad. Johnstone emphasized the importance of camaraderie among goalkeepers, indicating that he looks forward to working closely with Sinisalo and Doohan, as well as the coaching staff.
Johnstone's enthusiasm for the club's atmosphere was evident as he remarked, "You hear about the atmosphere at the stadium and that’s something I can’t wait to play in front of." He acknowledged the pressure that comes with playing for a club of Celtic's magnitude, stating, "The pressure to win, which is what I like – pressure to win, pressure to perform and we all want to win trophies."
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill also expressed his satisfaction with the signing, stating, "We are really happy to welcome Sam to Celtic. He is a quality keeper with excellent experience at the highest level and I think he will be a very good addition to our goalkeeping team." O’Neill highlighted Johnstone's potential to enhance competition within the squad, reinforcing the club's ambitions for the upcoming season.
As Celtic prepares for the challenges ahead, the addition of Sam Johnstone not only strengthens their goalkeeping department but also adds depth to their roster as they aim to compete for silverware in the Scottish Premiership and beyond.
Leave a Comment