Celtic defender Alistair Johnston is increasing his profile for Canada at the 2026 World Cup.
Given that Johnston is playing a World Cup on home soil and also on the biggest stage in football, it was always going to be inevitable that his profile was going to increase beyond what it was before the start of the tournament.
Nonetheless, it has resulted in interest in Johnston increasing, including from managerless Fulham in the Premier League.
But former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has told his Let Me Be Frank Podcast that Johnston is ‘the one guy’, and he is hoping he doesn’t go anywhere this summer.
Simon Houston: “There has been a lot of interest (in Celtic’s World Cup players). Certainly, a few stories about Alistair Johnston. Potentially, Fulham looking at him.”
McAvennie: “I hope not. That’s the one guy, I don’t to move.”
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Interest is growing as Johnston thrives with Canada… 🇨🇦
Alistair Johnston is a future Celtic captain as he stars for Canada at the World Cup
Not only is Johnston a consistent performer, but he is also one of the most likeable players on the team, in terms of his character.
Few players conduct an interview with as much confidence and natural flow as the Canadian international.
This is exactly why many view Johnston as genuine captain material, a point recently discussed by Simon Houston and McAvennie when considering who could step up if Callum McGregor were ever unavailable.
McAvennie also mentioned Johnston’s performances during the post-split fixtures. After being injured for most of the season, he returned just at the right time to push Celtic over the title line.
Once again, proving his huge importance on and off the field for the champions of Scotland.
Simon Houston: “There has been a lot of interest (in Celtic’s World Cup players). Certainly, a few stories about Alistair Johnston. Potentially, Fulham looking at him.”
McAvennie: “I hope not. That’s the one guy, I don’t to move.”
Houston: “If Callum McGregor were to be out for any length of time, or if rumours of Callum going to Saudi Arabia and joining Brendan Rodgers. Alistair Johnston is probably the next captain if not Kieran Tierney.”
McAvennie: “Kieran Tierney or Carter-Vickers if he is fit.”
Houston: “You just hit the nail on the head. ‘If he’s fit.’ With a captain, you are hoping it’s someone who is going to be there.”
McAvennie: “Of course, Kieran is the same.”
Houston: “That’s why I think Alistair Johnston would be a natural successor to Callum.”
McAvennie: “But I thought he (Johnston) is the one. With Martin, Fozzy and Shaun. He is the one who changed when he came back. He was a big one.”
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