If you perform on the World Cup stage, then it could well and truly change your life, regardless of your previous status.
Several Celtic stars have travelled to the ongoing World Cup hoping to shine on the global stage, but the tournament carries a uniquely special meaning for Alistair Johnston.
That’s because Johnston is playing at a home World Cup with Canada, who are co-hosting the FIFA tournament alongside the United States of America and Mexico.
However, Ian McCall fears that if the right-back produces the goods, it will inevitably invite mounting transfer interest from elsewhere, as he told Open Goal.
“There is one who is playing (at the World Cup) in Scotland, who I think will get a move off this,” said McCall.
“I think he is potentially top class. Alistair Johnston, I am going to watch him.”
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Johnston suffered injury pain during the recent campaign, missing most of the season, but he still returned for the post-split fixtures to make a difference.
Even though Julian Araujo, Colby Donovan, and Anthony Ralston played at right-back for the champions of Scotland last term, Johnston remains the undisputed number one.
But the Open Goal panel, including Andy Halliday, feel that a strong World Cup campaign could push him out the door at Parkhead, even though Celtic fans don’t want to hear it.
“There is one who is playing (at the World Cup) in Scotland, who I think will get a move off this,” said McCall.
“I think he is potentially top class. Alistair Johnston, I am going to watch him. He is 25 or 26. A fine boy, he used to stay up the stairs from us in the West End. Him and his missus, Peyton.
“He is just the fittest boy ever. He exudes healthiness. I just met him in the West End. I don’t think he goes out. I just think he goes out and walks his dog.”
Halliday agreed: “I think it’s a good shout, though. Who else is there from Scotland (at the World Cup)? Raskin is there. He has kind of been playing for Belgium.
“If these boys do well, you will get a move off it, 100%.”
What’s coming up for Johnston and Canada?
Make no bones about it, there is a lot of pressure on Canada to progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Anything less, and it will be seen as a flat-out failure.
Canada drew their opening World Cup match against Bosnia, with Johnston playing the entire game, as attention will now turn to Qatar.
- Canada v Qatar, Thursday, June 18, 23:00 (BST)
- Switzerland v Canada, Wednesday, June 24, 20:00 (BST)
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