Martin O’Neill’s admission of Julian Araujo is now a serious worry for Alistair Johnston

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Julian Araujo was only at Celtic for six months last season, but he still made a telling impact.

At the time of Araujo’s arrival, Alistair Johnston was in the treatment room, while youngster Colby Donovan was playing ahead of the experienced Anthony Ralston.

Despite injury ending Araujo’s loan spell at Celtic, fans still loved the role he played in Martin O’Neill’s side winning the domestic double, including that penalty shootout win over Rangers at Ibrox in the Scottish Cup, which proved to be his final game for the club.

Fast forward to the present, and O’Neill has now admitted he would be ‘open’ to the prospect of Araujo returning to Glasgow.

While the Mexican star became a bit of a fan favourite, this isn’t good news for someone like Johnston, and the supporters’ hopes of the Canadian star staying on board.

O’Neill on Araujo post-Sporting friendly: “I would keep it open, because you don’t know what could happen. If it was all within our scope, it’s something I would definitely look at.”

• READ MORE: Martin O’Neill ‘optimistic’ for Celtic transfers and Kelechi Iheanacho agreement

Are you worried Alistair Johnston’s World Cup performances results in him leaving Celtic? 😬🍀

Interest is growing as Johnston thrives with Canada… 🇨🇦

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Alistair Johnston will surely leave if Celtic re-sign Julian Araujo

There have been suggestions that Ralston could sign a new deal. If that’s the case, then clearly he isn’t going anywhere.

When you add in Johnston and Donovan, it makes no sense to bring back Araujo and have four right-sided fullbacks on the books.

It surely means that one man will leave.

Unless Celtic opt to loan out Donovan, it leans towards what fans have been dreading, and that’s Johnston heading for the exit door.

Johnston had a strong World Cup with Canada, and before the tournament began, many felt it would result in the popular Celtic player leaving.

Perhaps O’Neill knows that there is interest in the former CF Montréal man’s services.

While Araujo was lively on the flanks for Celtic, let’s be honest, Johnston is still a level above and his possible exit would be a big blow.