Sam Johnstone has credited Celtic goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods and a sustained period of training for helping him rediscover his confidence after a difficult introduction to life at Parkhead.

Johnstone, who joined Celtic on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer transfer window, endured a difficult afternoon in the Glasgow derby.

See the Celtic fixtures for 2026/27 for what comes next.

An early mistake in possession nearly handed Rangers a goal, and the Englishman subsequently lost his place in the team.

However, the 33-year-old believes the time away from competitive action has allowed him to develop a much better understanding of Celtic’s playing style and build relationships with his new teammates.

Speaking to The Celtic Way, Johnstone explained how much had changed since his difficult experience at Ibrox.

“That [defeat to Rangers] was six or seven weeks ago now. I feel like a different goalkeeper, a different person.”

The goalkeeper admitted that adapting to Celtic’s demands had taken time, particularly when it came to playing out from the back.

“I’ve just got a good block of work in. As you know, coming to a new club, the way we play here is different to where I’ve been previously at different clubs.

“So it was just a case of getting used to that, getting used to the lads in training, getting used to how we do things.

“I think this block of training for the last six or seven weeks has really helped me.”

Johnstone also highlighted the role played by Celtic’s long-serving goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods, who has worked under several managers at the club.

Woods has been a consistent presence behind the scenes through different managerial eras, with Michael McGovern also involved in coaching the goalkeepers.

Johnstone said: “I’ve really enjoyed it. The sessions are great. He’s a great person,” Johnstone said of Woods.

“We’ve got a good group between me, Vil, Ross [Doohan] and a few of the younger lads.

“I enjoy coming in every day. I enjoy training. It’s great to work with Woodsy and Michael McGovern helps as well. It’s a good group.”

The comments offer an insight into the work taking place behind the scenes as Johnstone attempts to establish himself at Celtic following his difficult start.

Johnstone’s return to the starting eleven has brought renewed attention to O’Neill’s goalkeeping options.

Viljami Sinisalo began the campaign as Celtic’s first-choice goalkeeper, but Johnstone was selected against Celta Vigo in the Europa League last Thursday and retained his place for Sunday’s Premiership trip to Easter Road.

His consecutive starts suggest O’Neill is prepared to give him another opportunity following the disappointment at Ibrox.

However, the manager has not publicly confirmed a permanent change in the goalkeeping hierarchy.

With Dundee United visiting Celtic Park on Wednesday, Johnstone will be hoping his recent performances and the work he has put in with Woods are enough to earn him another start.

Sinisalo remains an alternative, leaving O’Neill with a selection decision as Celtic look to build on their domestic winning run.

Opening the team picker…