Liam Scales has previewed his clash with Celtic teammate Alistair Johnston.
Despite not being involved at this summer’s World Cup, the Republic of Ireland team are out in Quebec for what will be a preparation friendly for Canada.
Johnston is one of eight Celtic players set to be involved at the tournament, particularly special for him given Canada’s status as a host nation.
For Scales, there is nothing but admiration for his Parkhead teammate after their collective status this season.
Lots of Celtic fans unhappy with Robbie Keane’s candidacy…
Liam Scales on Celtic teammate Alistair Johnston: ‘He’s an incredible athlete’
Scales said: “I’ve played left wing-back for Ireland at times so I actually might be up against AJ!
“I won’t smash him though. I definitely won’t do that to AJ. He’s a teammate. Hopefully I’ll get his jersey after the game so that’s about it.
READ MORE: Wilfried Nancy the frontrunner for Ligue 1 hotseat as Lorient pursue ex-Celtic boss
“He’s top class. He’s an incredible athlete and he’s another leader we have at Celtic. He’s somewhere in the fifties as far as caps for Canada go and he’s only 27.
“He’s another one who leads the group when he’s in it and he’s a great player.
“It was great to have him back for those final few weeks of the season. I think he managed it perfectly as well.
“It’s tough coming back from a long-term injury like that and having games back-to-back but he flew through it. Hopefully now he goes and does the same in the World Cup.”
“We were all there for him when he was out for all that time. When you have an injury then come back and re-injure yourself, I think that’s got to be the worst.
“He’s a positive guy himself but we all helped him through it. He could definitely have a big summer. Canada are one of the home nations and they’ve got a good side.
“I haven’t watched too much of them but from what I’ve heard from him they’re coached well and they’re hard to play against.
“I’ll be interested in seeing how they do and interesting to play against them.”
Your reaction to the latest development in the Celtic manager race?
Will Alistair Johnston leave Celtic this summer?
Johnston indicated that he wanted to stay at Celtic last week 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.
It was revealed this week that Johnston will be watched at the World Cup, so big offers could be forthcoming if the Canadians have a good tournament.
But there’s no denying that Johnston loves life in Glasgow and appreciates the honour of playing for a club as big as Celtic.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
