Alistair Johnston, the tenacious Canadian right-back for Celtic, has publicly declared his unwavering commitment to rectifying what he views as a temporary separation from the Scottish Cup. His powerful vow emerges from the lingering sting of last May’s Hampden heartbreak, an experience that has ignited an extraordinary new level of motivation within the defender.

The specific moment of anguish occurred during a dramatic Scottish Gas-sponsored final where Celtic faced the ultimate disappointment. Johnston, a pivotal figure in the team, found himself at the heart of the penalty shootout, only for his crucial spot-kick to be denied by Dimitar Mitov, crushing Celtic’s hopes of securing another domestic treble.

Remarkably, Johnston found a profound sense of healing and perspective shortly after this professional setback. His marriage to long-term partner Peyton Pesavento at Pollok House in Glasgow, attended by several of his Celtic teammates, served as a crucial personal reset, allowing him to place the painful cup final defeat firmly in the past.

This significant personal milestone was instrumental in helping Johnston compartmentalize the sporting disappointment. The joy and focus on his loved ones during this period provided a vital emotional buffer, enabling him to process the loss not as a permanent failure, but as a temporary stumble on a larger journey.

With a refreshed mindset, Johnston has now emphatically pinpointed the Scottish Cup as a top priority for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign. His sights are firmly set on reuniting the historic trophy with the Parkhead club, transforming past disappointment into a fierce ambition for future triumphs.

Johnston articulated a compelling philosophy on the nature of setbacks, suggesting that one truly appreciates the feeling of winning only after experiencing loss. This perspective underscores his desire to secure every possible trophy, acknowledging that while the treble eluded Celtic previously, it now fuels an even greater drive.

The painful memories of the past season’s cup final are not ignored but rather embraced as a catalyst for growth. Johnston views the defeat not as an end, but as a foundational learning experience, providing invaluable insights that will be meticulously applied to prevent similar outcomes in the future.

His candid admission that “you’re not going to win every single match” reflects a mature understanding of professional football’s inherent challenges. However, this realism is tempered by a powerful determination to extract positive learnings from every match, ensuring that Celtic returns to contention stronger and more resolute than ever.