2The quick read
Player story
01 · Background
Built through university, League1 Ontario and MLS
Johnston was born in Vancouver and raised in Aurora, Ontario. He played university soccer at St. John’s and Wake Forest, then spent a summer with Vaughan Azzurri before Nashville selected him in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. He established himself quickly, moved to CF Montréal and joined Celtic after the 2022 World Cup. He made his Celtic debut in a Glasgow derby and finished that first half-season with a domestic treble.
02 · How he plays
Front-foot defending with a useful engine
Johnston has played as a right-back and on the right of a three. Celtic’s profile stresses his technical ability, willingness to get forward, competitive edge and comfort with the physical side of the game. He is proactive: stepping out to meet a receiver, following runners and supporting beyond the winger when the moment is right. His deliveries and combinations from the right have become a larger part of his club game.
03 · Canada role
The defender who lets others attack
His positional discipline gives Canada options. Johnston can stay as the third defender while Davies advances on the opposite side, or overlap when Canada wants width on the right. He plays with visible edge but usually within a clear tactical job: win the duel, secure the next pass and keep the team moving upfield.
Research and further reading
The club journey
- Vaughan Azzurri
- Nashville SC
- CF Montréal
- Celtic
