Alistair Johnston has told his North American fans they need to experience a Celtic vs Rangers match to believe the hype - as he opens up on his whirlwind derby beginnings.
The right-back made his Hoops debut under Ange Postecoglou away at Ibrox in the New Year, just weeks after leaving MLS side Montreal following an impressive World Cup with Canada. He's been back with his nation over the international break and has opened up on his time in Scotland so far, with his clashes with Rangers a key talking points.
Johnston also emerged as a League Cup winner in the final showpiece between the pair in February, and he tells Drive Time that both clubs sharing one city was a factor he noticed in particular. The right-back explained: "It is something you need to experience. I have tried to put it into words for people and even when I was over there, people were trying to explain it to me and said 'just wait.'
"Going out there and feeling the intensity, even the week leading up to it, it's one of the craziest things sharing a city with your biggest rival. It's something that's a bit ominous to be honest.
"You lose that match and you can't leave your flat or house for the next week. So it is one of those one that is so deep rooted and taken on a life of its own, it's a special match.
"In terms of comparing it to a North American rivalry, I don't think anything compares. I would welcome anyone if they want to experience something out of body, try and get a ticket for one of those matches.
"I played once in the league at Ibrox and got thrown in the fire a bit there, then I played for a trophy at Hampden. It was a 50-50 split of fans and the emotion going through the entire match was something to behold."
