WORLD LEADER

AJ revelling in growing responsibility ahead of 2026 showpiece in homeland

- Michael Gannon

ALISTAIR JOHNSTON admits he's facing a mammoth 18 months for club and country in the build-up to next summer's World Cup.

The Canada star is counting down the days until the major finals hits home soil in North America in 2026.

Johnston is determined to play a leading role for Celtic in Scotland and for his country on the international stage, with the mega motivation of the World Cup being held in Canada, the United States and Mexico.

The full-back came out on top against Hoops mate Cameron Carter-Vickers' USA team in the CONCACAF Nations League third place play-off earlier this week, but both are likely to be part of next year's major party as hosts.

Johnston said: "Every single match now is massive when you know that our country is going to be participating in the World Cup.

"It seems like a long way away, but realistically it is less than a year and a half to go.

"So all of these matches matter. And we want to make sure that we're heading into that in the highest of highs with all the momentum behind us as a nation. So it's an important time for us."