Wolves praise star's 'honest conversations' ability as exit sanctioned and Celtic transfer signed off
The former Aston Villa goalkeeper has left Wolves for Celtic.
Wolves have hailed Sam Johnstone after his season-long loan deal to Celtic was confirmed.
The former Manchester United and Aston Villa goalkeeper capped by England has joined the Premiership champions after falling down the Molineux food chain. Their relegation to the Championship from Premier League status has not brought with it added game time and he now challenges Viljami Sinisalo, another former Aston Villa keeper, for Celtic’s number one spot. Wolves were impressed though by how he conducted himself in the transfer process.
Technical director Matt Jackson said: “We knew at the start of the summer that we would be likely to revamp the goalkeeper department. Dan Bentley went to Coventry and Sam now has a brilliant opportunity to go to a massive football club.
Why has Sam Johnstone signed for Celtic?
“It will be great for him to get a real taste of first-team football that he hasn't had for a little while and he deserves the opportunity. It’s so difficult for goalkeepers, because you've always got frustrated players behind the starter, and teams obviously don't tend to rotate goalkeepers, so it can be frustrating.
“Sam wants to play all the time, and that's why he's been one of the top goalkeepers and he can certainly get back to those levels again. He’s a senior professional that you can have honest conversations with. He drives himself to the high standards, and he goes with our best wishes.”
Johnstone revealed former England goalkeeper and Celtic hero Joe Hart has been on the phone to sell him on joining Martin O’Neill’s team. He said: “It’s a great feeling, I’m buzzing to be here and I'm excited to get going.
What did Joe Hart do in Celtic summer transfer deal?
“I didn't need convincing by anyone, but Joe Hart rang me the other day just to reiterate what a place this is, what a great group of lads and how the fans are unbelievable. Like I said, I didn't need convincing, but for someone like that to ring me up and reiterate again the size of the club and what it means to people, it just made me so excited to get here and get started.
“I think everyone knows the goalie groups are a tight-knit group. We work closely together every day and hopefully I can help Vil and he can help me, and we push each other and we support each other along with the other goalies and the goalie coaches. You hear about the size of the club, and you know about the size of the club, but just being here for a day, you notice how big the club is.
“And the pressure to win, which is what I like – pressure to win, pressure to perform and we all want to win trophies. You hear about the atmosphere at the stadium and that's something I can't wait to play in front of.”
The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly