Callum McGregor and Alistair Johnston ended the season on a disappointing note when they missed their spot kicks for Celtic in the final of the SFA Cup.
Aberdeen took them to penalties at Hampden Park, after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, and the two Hoops stars stepped up to miss from he spot, securing the trophy for the Dons.
This meant that the Bhoys failed to win the domestic treble for the second time in as many seasons since Brendan Rodgers returned to Parkhead, as they also won two of the three available trophies last term.
They did still win the Scottish Premiership and the League Cup, though, in what was a successful campaign for the club irrespective of what happened in the SFA Cup final.
It was also still a successful season for Johnston at right-back despite his penalty miss at the national stadium, as he provided impressive performances down the right flank for the Premiership champions throughout the year.
How Alistair Johnston had a successful season for Celtic
The Canada international combined solid defensive work with a desire to get forward to make an impact at the top end of the pitch to offer a fantastic all-round presence at right-back, both in the Champions League and the Premiership.
Johnston started all ten of the club’s matches in Europe, which illustrates how much Rodgers relied on him, and he ranked first out of all players in the squad with more than one start for tackles (2.8) and interceptions (1.4) per game.
This shows that the 26-year-old star was hugely important to Celtic from a defensive perspective, as he consistently made vital interventions to cut out opposition attacks with tackles and interceptions.
It was not only his form in Europe that caught the eye during the season for the Hoops, though, as the defender also delivered exciting displays from right-back in the Premiership.
Appearances
32
Goals
4
Big chances created
15
Key passes per game
1.5
Assists
10
Tackles + interceptions per game
2.0
As you can see in the table above, Johnston provided a decent goal threat from right-back, whilst also being an incredibly creative figure at the top end of the pitch, with almost one ‘big chance’ created every other game on average.
These statistics, along with his defensive numbers in the Champions League, show how the Canadian star has enjoyed a successful season for Celtic, despite his miss in the final against Aberdeen.
In March, The Athletic reported that Fulham and Ipswich were both plotting summer moves for the defender, which suggests that the Hoops may need to fight to keep hold of him.
This shows that his performances for Celtic have also attracted interest from elsewhere, and a fresh report has linked the club with a move for a player who plays in a similar position.
Celtic eyeing deal for Premiership defender
According to EFL Analysis, Celtic are one of the clubs interested in a deal to sign versatile Dundee star Josh Mulligan in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Hoops are set to battle it out with English Championship side West Bromwich Albion to land the Scotland U21 international.
It reveals that the Baggies are already holding talks with the Scottish defender, whilst Celtic’s interest remains just that as it stands, ahead of his expected exit from Dundee.
Mulligan’s contract at Dens Park expires at the end of this month, and he is set to be available on a ‘free’ transfer, although Dundee would be due compensation due to his age.
Whilst West Brom appear to be ahead of the Hoops in the race, due to them already being in talks with the 22-year-old star, Celtic are eyeing up the Premiership star and he could be Johnston 2.0 for Rodgers next season.
Why Celtic should sign Josh Mulligan
At the age of 22, Mulligan could be a terrific addition to the Hoops squad as a long-term signing who could develop and improve with games over the seasons to come.
This means that he could also come in as a back-up to Johnston initially, if the Canada international does not move to the Premier League, because the youngster is at an age where he can bide his time if needed.
However, Mulligan is also a proven performer in the Premiership who could hit the ground running as a replacement for the Celtic star if that is the situation that he would walk into this summer.
The versatile star, who can play as a central or attacking midfielder, has caught the eye as a right-sided wing-back for Dundee in the top-flight.
As you can see in the clip above, his emergence in that position earned him plaudits from multiple pundits due to his attacking drive down the right flank.
Whilst Celtic do not play with wing-backs on paper, their dominance in matches means that Johnston is more or less a wing-back in how high he gets up the pitch and how many touches he takes.
Appearances
34
32
Touches per game
42.6
89.8
Big chances created
9
15
Assists
5
10
Tackles + interceptions per game
2.5
2.0
Duels won per game
5.2
3.6
As you can see in the table above, Mulligan has the potential to be Johnston 2.0 for the Hoops because he created nine ‘big chances’ and posted similar defensive numbers, despite taking less than half as many touches per game.
The 22-year-old star has shown a willingness to drive forward to make things happen at the top end of the pitch from a wing-back position, and was once compared to Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur icon Gareth Bale, who started out his career as a full-back.
Former teammate Simon Ferry said: “He’s a Rolls-Royce like Gareth Bale – powerful, strong, direct. He’s a machine at that age. He wants to learn, listens to you.”
This shows that Celtic could have another ‘machine’ racing down the right flank to deliver assists next season even if they do cash in on Johnston, because Mulligan has the potential to be a fantastic signing for the club.
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Therefore, the Hoops should consider opening talks to land the out-of-contract defender in the summer transfer window to beat West Brom to his signature.