Celtic complete transfer of Canadian defender Alistair Johnston from CF Montreal

Celtic have completed the signing of Canadian defender Alistair Johnston from CF Montreal, the club announced Saturday.

Johnston arrives in Glasgow on a five-year deal and will link up with his new teammates at the end of next week.

"I’m delighted. He’s someone we identified pretty early on as somebody we think can add to our club," Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou said in a club press release.

"He’s had an interesting career path where he’s had to work very hard to get to where he is, and we’re very happy to conclude the deal and knowing he was going to the World Cup, I think he performed well there as well.

"He’s really keen to come across and take the next step in his career, and I think he’ll be a great fit in our dressing-room, and he’ll definitely add something to our football as well.

"He’s predominantly played on the right side of defense, at center-back or right-back. He’s very good technically, very good going forward and also a really strong competitor and he doesn’t mind the physical aspects of the game, and as I said, I think he’ll add something to our club."

Johnston was part of the Canadian side that, despite exiting with zero points, impressed in Qatar - their first World Cup showing since 1986. The 24-year-old also established himself as one of the most consistent defenders in MLS over recent years with Nashville SC and, now, Montreal.

A 32-time international, Johnston has played 84 times in MLS regular season and Playoffs competition combined, scoring five goals and providing five primary assists.

Now wearing the green and white hoops, Johnston - who can play right-back or center-back in a three-man defense - will look to help Celtic maintain their nine-point lead over rivals Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.