As Celtic appear to be in the process of sewing up a deal for Canada World Cup star, Ally Johnston, the Celtic supporters will be eager to find out all they can about the potential new player. Fabrizio Romano took to social media platform Twitter to confirm the news reported by multiple sources in North America and Canada and relay that talks are progressing well currently.
Celtic have reached verbal agreement with Montreal to sign Alistair Johnston on permanent deal, now waiting for final details. ⚪️🟢🇨🇦 #CelticFC
Johnston’s contract will be discussed in order to get the deal done and sealed. pic.twitter.com/Du9PbBLNjz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 25, 2022
Interest will be high in the man who restrained Kevin de Bruyne and his teammates in Qatar. The Canadian’s were desperately unlucky to come away from that one with nothing in the end up, absolutely causing havoc for Roberto Martinez and his charges. Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies had a golden opportunity to put Canada ahead from the penalty spot and fluffed his lines.
Despite the loss, Johnston was immense at shackling the Belgian’s threat in an attacking sense, with Eden Hazard particularly finding the defender a tricky customer. It looks like that performance has been enough to tip the balance for Ange Postecoglou and he is now wanting to procure the 24-year-old right-back as part of his next squad building phase at Lennoxtown.
The Scottish Daily Express spoke to former Hamilton Accidemical coach, Colin Miller, who has been in Canada working for some years with the national team. The ex-Rangers full-back played for Canada earning 61 caps and now does commentary work with Vancouver Whitecaps as well as coaching in British Columbia.
He said of Johnston: “I think he is one who would suit the Scottish Premiership. He’s very quick, he’s very aggressive and I think he would flourish because of the type of player he is. He’s so competitive. As much as I hate to say it, I think he would be a good signing for Celtic.
“What you saw from Alistair in the Belgium game is what you will get in every game. I haven’t worked with him but from what I have seen of him at Montreal he has made a tremendous rise in the last year or so. He can undoubtedly play right back because he has the athleticism to get up and down and he is also very ambitious going forward.
“And unlike so many defenders these days, he seems to really enjoy defending and he loves a tackle. As I say, he would be a great signing for Celtic. It shows the progress these Canadian lads are making. Stephen Eustaquio is playing every week for Porto and Alphonso Davies is at Bayern Munich so it’s great to see these guys at the top level of European football.”
With speed and aggression a fundamental tenet of Angeball, Johnston will fit in perfectly with the current crop at Parkhead. If indeed, Josip Juranovic does leave, we will need someone highly competitive to compete with Anthony Ralston at that right-back spot. The fact he can also play in central defence is another potential coup if we manage to pull this deal off.
For what it's worth, Johnston couldn't wipe the smile off his face when he discussed the Celtic links. #CanMNT
— Peter Galindo (@GalindoPW) November 25, 2022
Paul Gillespie
READ THIS…The Green Friday Half Price Sale at Celtic Star Books
