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Besiktas belief can spark Celtic back to life after early season body blows, reckons Hoops keeper Johnstone

CELTIC keeper Sam Johnstone has admitted poor results put a dent in their dressing room spirit. But he’s praying Thursday’s comeback win over Besiktas is the spark they need to get them firing again. On-loan Johnstone says the seven games…

By Bill Leckie · The Scottish Sun

Published: Saturday, 7 November 2026 at 6:03 PM

Key Things to Know

Sam Johnstone believes Celtic's 3-2 win against Besiktas can reignite their season after inconsistent form.
Celtic have lost seven of their first 20 matches this season, including a 2-0 defeat to Falkirk.
Manager Martin O'Neill has started the 33-year-old goalkeeper in five consecutive matches.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Celtic goalkeeper Sam Johnstone hopes the club's 3-2 Europa League comeback victory against Besiktas will spark a turnaround in their season. The 33-year-old acknowledged that seven defeats in 20 matches had dented dressing room confidence, particularly following a 2-0 league loss to Falkirk, but emphasized the squad's determination to meet high expectations.

Johnstone, who joined Celtic on a season-long loan from Wolves, made several key saves against Besiktas after manager Martin O'Neill started him for a fifth consecutive game. Despite initially saving a penalty from Junior Olaitan before the rebound was scored, Johnstone noted he is steadily building rhythm with his new defense.

Read the full article on The Scottish Sun

Besiktas belief can spark Celtic back to life after early season body blows, reckons Hoops keeper Johnstone

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