Alistair Johnston smirks at loaded 'Rangers are coming' question before Celtic star gets honest on pressure cooker

Celtic star Alistair Johnston has lifted the lid on the pressure of playing at Parkhead amid the title fight with Rangers.

The Scottish Premiership flag race is set to go all the way with Brendan Rodgers' side going into the international break top of the pile with a win over St Johnstone - having played a game more than the Light Blues with Rangers final clash before the league was paused being called off. With derby day just around the corner and only a point separating the two Glasgow giants, all eyes are on the battle - including in Canada.

While on international duty, the right-back saw Celtic's tussle to keep the Scottish title in Glasgow's east end come under scrutiny as he sat down with Kristian Jack from Canadian outlet One Soccer. He was put on the spot about the current campaign with Philippe Clement's side chasing down the league leaders.

He quizzed: "How has the season been? I know you have been playing a lot and Rangers are coming now. Do you lie awake at night after a bad game, and then a great game? How have you managed your own expectations?"

That brought a smirk out of Johnston before he responded: "It is difficult. You can feel the pressure. It's nothing like I experienced in the MLS just because first of all, the rivalry is just a lot deeper."

Jack joked: "Just a little?" The Canadian laughed before opening up on the pressures on the changeover at the end of the Anne Postecoglou era.

He said: "Just a little. You share the same city so you know when you walk out the door you are going to be loved or hated.

"That is an interesting thing that you have to learn and deal with quickly. But at the same time you feel the pressure and you are expected to win. Not only are you expected to win, but you are