Alistair Johnston saw the funny side of Celtic's title race pressures up against Rangers.

The crowing of the Premiership champions looks set to go down to the wire this season as the run-in approaches after the international break. 

Celtic sit top of the table, one point ahead of Rangers, but with Philippe Clement's side boasting a game in hand over their arch-Glasgow rivals.

The big derby clash between the two is just around the corner on Sunday, April 7 - two weeks today.

Johnston is currently on international duty with Canada. And despite being away from the Glasgow goldfish bowl, he couldn't escape questioning over domestic matters.

He sat down with Kristian Jack of the Canadian media outlet One Soccer. 

And it was his question that had Johnston smirking regarding the title race with Rangers.

The reporter probed:  "How has the season been? I know you have been playing a lot and Rangers are coming now. Do you lie awake at night after a bad game, and then a great game? How have you managed your own expectations?"

Appearing to smile, Johnston responded: "It is difficult. You can feel the pressure. It's nothing like I experienced in the MLS just because first of all, the rivalry is just a lot deeper."

Jack came back in, saying: "Just a little?"

He said: "Just a little. You share the same city so you know when you walk out the door you are going to be loved or hated.

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"That is an interesting thing that you have to learn and deal with quickly. But at the same time you feel the pressure and you are expected to win. Not only are you expected to win, but you are expected to win in a certain way.

"We have felt that a lot this year and that has been difficult. There has not been quite as long of that period of grace given when there is a lot of change and a new manager coming in.

"At these clubs there is no time to have that period where you say 'ok, things are new' - it's not like that at these massive clubs. It's straight in, the pressure is there right from the get go. The expectations are there so dealing with that it takes a big personality.

"That is what I have found at that level - you need to have a level of mental fortitude, perseverance and resilience because not every day is going to be as great as it seems to the outside world. There is a tonne of pressure."