HEAT OF THE MOMENT

First season was a breeze for AJ but Canadian reckons Bhoys will stay cool under pressure this time around after buying into Brendan's blueprint

- MICHAEL GANNON

ALISTAIR JOHNSTON knows Celtic are living in an Old Firm pressure cooker with the heat being turned up on the title race.

But the Hoops defender ist convinced the champions have the mentality to handle it as the scrap goes down to the wire.

Johnston made an incredible impact in Glasgow following his arrival from MLS outfit Montreal last January - as he hoovered up a Treble in just five months.

This season has been tougher with the League Cup landing at Ibrox and rivals Rangers bang in the hunt for the Premiership and Scottish Cup.

Johnston also says amid the stress there's been next to no time for new boss Brendan Rodgers to put his own stamp on the place after Ange Postecoglou's departure.

The Canada star explained: "It is difficult because 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.

"Is it different? 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.

"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 expected to win in a certain way.

"We have felt that a lot this year and that has been difficult.