Alistair Johnston embraces Celtic hardman role but reveals Callum McGregor tried to steal his 'job' in Rangers clash

Alistair Johnston believes his physicality has been the secret to his Celtic success so far. But if he's the designated Parkhead hardman, then Callum McGregor tried to steal his "job" Rangers last weekend.

The 24-year-old has made the right-back position his own since arriving from CF Montreal in January in a deal worth around £3.5million. He slotted straight into the team for his debut in a 2-2 Old Firm draw on January 2 and has already shown a bullish side that the Hoops supporters love to watch. Josip Juranovic was predominately Celtic's main man at full-back prior to the World Cup and his exit to Union Berlin raised the question if Johnston could fill his boots. The defender has not been shy in challenges, interceptions and being there for the big moments however he admits he was stunned to see captain Callum McGregor replicate that same desire during their last clash with Rangers. The Scotland international was involved in an incident with Gers star Nicolas Raskin and Johnston wanted to wade in and join his skipper.

Talking about his physical presence on the pitch, Johnston said: "It's the foundation of my game to a degree. You have to have technical ability to be playing at this level. But if you take away my desire and my competitiveness I'm not nearly the same player as some of the guys. I know what I need to bring if I want to play for Celtic. It's part of me, it comes back to my family, my childhood - growing up in a family of three boys where I was the middle child and everything was a competition, a battle.

"In sports too, playing hockey. It's a huge thing for us growing up in. Canada. We love to hit people and get in to it but its also about camaraderie. If you hit one of my players, one of the most