Alistair Johnston and his Canada side are enjoying themselves at this summer’s World Cup.
Before a ball was kicked, some Celtic supporters were questioning, with worry, if a positive World Cup for Johnston could increase his chances of leaving Glasgow this summer.
After two games, Canada have four points to their name, including thrashing Qatar 6-0, which resulted in Johnston being dubbed as ‘world-class.’
Kevin Kilbane, who has lived in Canada after finishing his playing career in Europe, has lauded the North American side, including the ‘extremely likeable’ characters in the team, and how the profile of someone like Johnston is growing by the day, as he told TSN.
“They know the names,” said Kilbane. “Luke De Fougerolles. Relatively unknown, even at this stage. They all know about Richie Laryea. They know all about Alistair Johnston.”
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Interest is growing as Johnston thrives with Canada… 🇨🇦
Alistair Johnston’s profile is growing at the World Cup with Canada
It was a frustrating recent campaign for Johnston because he suffered two separate injury issues, but he still helped Celtic to a domestic double.
Johnston was key during the post-split fixtures, but it seems as though he has timed everything perfectly because he is hitting the right form at the right time.
“They are a likeable team, an extremely likeable team actually,” said Kilbane. “They have the country onside. It totally feels like the country is totally on board.
“The players themselves are producing – they are knowing the names. Luke De Fougerolles. Relatively unknown, even at this stage. They all know about Richie Laryea. They know all about Alistair Johnston.
“It’s not all just Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David that everybody knows, and they are buying into it all. It is unbelievable.”
The double-edged sword for Celtic in Johnston increasing his profile
Even though Julian Araujo, Colby Donovan and Anthony Ralston played at right-back for Celtic last season, they still didn’t better what Johnston has produced in recent years.
He is one of Celtic’s most consistent players, and it could be argued that he is a future captain.
So, on the one hand, Johnston performing this well just goes to show what a top player Celtic and Martin O’Neill have on their hands.
But on the other hand, it only increases Johnston’s chances of leaving, because there will be more eyes on the work he is putting out there.
There are already claims that Fulham are looking at Johnston, and if those with bigger pay packets come knocking, then the champions of Scotland will have no choice but to accept.
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