Jackie McNamara fears that Alistair Johnston could leave Celtic if he has a good World Cup.
Plenty of eyes will be on Canada in particular, given that they are one of the three host nations and something of a favourable draw.
Johnston will face Bosnia, Qatar and Switzerland in an open Group B. There is a small possibility that Canada face Scotland in the round of 32, though this would require Scotland winning their group.
For McNamara, Johnston’s absence was a huge miss during Celtic’s league and cup double-winning season.
Celtic fans, will you be tuning into the 2026 World Cup?
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Jackie McNamara: Alistair Johnston was a loss for Celtic
McNamara told the Daily Record: “I think AJ’s been a great signing for Celtic.
“He was definitely a loss on that right side this season.
READ MORE: Alistair Johnston opens up on Celtic ‘tears of joy’ and injury lay-off
“I know Auston Trusty fitted in at times, but having that balance there to stretch the game down the right is important for the way Celtic play, so it was a big plus for him coming back late in the season.
“The timing of his return in the season was crucial, and yeah, I think they’ll be hoping that he is one who stays.
“But anybody – even if it’s someone like Benjamin Nygren after all the goals he scored this season – if they have a good World Cup, they will be linked with moves.
“That’s never going to change. If they’re doing well, if their numbers are good, such as Arne Engels or Daizen Maeda, you will have teams interested. And it might be the same with AJ.
“It was the same when Kyogo left, when Moussa Dembele left, when Virgil Van Dijk left – it’s about making sure they’re not missed, and that comes down to the recruitment and having a forward plan to make sure of that.
“Recruitment is difficult because you’re competing at the highest level. It’s not just about spending lots and lots of money because that doesn’t prove anything or guarantee anything.
“It’s spending it wisely.”
Which players are likely to depart, given that Martin O’Neill will stay?
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Will Alistair Johnston leave Celtic this summer?
Johnston indicated that he wanted to stay at Celtic last month by acting as a public agent for his brother in an attempt to get him a move to Scotland.
However, speaking earlier this season, Johnston was more coy on his Celtic future, leaving the door open for a potential switch to the Premier League.
There’s no denying that the full-back would be well-suited to the English game; he has been linked with several Premier League clubs already.
It does certainly seem that Johnston loves life in Glasgow and appreciates the honour of playing for a club as big as Celtic.
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