Canadian fullback Johnston scores first goal for Glasgow Celtic in win over St. Mirren

PAISLEY, United Kingdom — Canadian international Alistair Johnston scored his first goal for Celtic in a 5-1 win over St. Mirren in Scottish league play Sunday.

The 24-year-old from Aurora, Ont., gave Celtic a 2-1 lead in the 61st minute, heading home an Aaron Mooy free kick at the far post. The ball came off Johnston's head and bounced in off St. Mirren midfielder Mark O'Hara.

"In case anyone was wondering — I’m claiming that goal," Johnston tweeted after the match.

Liel Abada, Matt O'Riley, Oh Hyun-Gyu and Jota, who goes by one name, also scored for the Glasgow side. O'Hara gave St. Mirren, which lost Charles Dunne to a red card in the 38th minute, an early lead from the penalty spot.

Celtic (25-1-1) has a nine-point edge over rival Rangers (21-2-4) atop the Scottish Premiership. St. Mirren (10-11-7) is sixth.

Celtic announced Johnston's signing from CF Montreal on Dec. 3. The defender has won 33 caps for Canada, appearing in all three matches at the World Cup in Qatar.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 5, 2023