Chris Sutton has added to fears that Alistair Johnston could leave Celtic after his World Cup form.
Despite spending much of the season out injured, Johnston has entered the home tournament with Canada on top form, starting each of their four games on the road to the round of 16.
He was particularly exceptional in their 6-0 win over Qatar; his expected assists total of 1.28 in that game remains the highest registered by any player in a match at the tournament.
Fulham have already been linked with Johnston, and Sutton fears that more big clubs could circle.
Are you worried Alistair Johnston’s World Cup performances results in him leaving Celtic? 😬🍀
Interest is growing as Johnston thrives with Canada… 🇨🇦
Chris Sutton: Celtic should do everything to prevent an Alistair Johnston exit
Sutton wrote in the Daily Record: “Alistair Johnston will have the eyes of the globe on him tomorrow night.
“That must be an uneasy feeling for Celtic fans.
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“At a time when the punters are desperate for news on incomings, the notion of more attention being placed onto their star names such as Johnston must send shivers.
“Johnston is one that fascinates me when it comes to whether or not Celtic get a big offers in this window.
“In many ways, having been signed by Ange Postecoglou during the last World Cup, he’s served his time and should not be denied a chance to go if the right package is put onto the Parkhead table having been there for three-and-a-half years.
“But, at the same time, Johnston looks settled and, if I’m Celtic, I’d be doing absolutely everything to make sure he’s perfectly happy where he is and he goes nowhere.
“No harm to Anthony Ralston, Colby Donovan or even Julian Araujo, but none of them came close to giving the team what Johnston does during the Canadian’s injury absence last season.
“The difference when he came back for the final few games was obvious.
Not bad from Alistair Johnston at the World Cup… 🔥
“Johnston’s got so many attributes. He covers ground, he defends strongly, he’s good in the one-on-one duels, he seems an excellent character for a dressing room and he also has an ability to make things happen in the opposition half.
“If the Celtic fans and the pundits can see all that, then you can be sure top clubs in big leagues are also seeing it and helping his team into the last-eight of a World Cup by overcoming the African champions will only elevate his status.
“I’m sure the Celtic fans will be cheering for him to shine. Just not so brightly as to glare into the eyes of more scouts.”
Will Alistair Johnston leave Celtic this summer?
Johnston indicated that he wanted to stay at Celtic in May 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 Swan’s point that the full-back would be well-suited to the English game; he has been linked with several Premier League clubs already.
But there’s no denying that Johnston loves life in Glasgow and appreciates the honour of playing for a club as big as Celtic.
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