Pundit hails ‘quality’ World Cup player, he’s on the verge of becoming Celtic’s latest signing

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Celtic are set to sign Alistair Johnston and he has been hailed by pundit Tam McManus as a ‘big upgrade’ on Josip Juranovic.

The Bhoys have already secured their first January signing having agreed a deal with Vissel Kobe defender Yuki Kobayashi.

That will give Celtic a natural left-sided centre back to play out from the back in Ange Postecoglou’s setup.

Celtic are also looking for another right back and appear to have settled on Johnston as their top target.

Celtic are set to sign Alistair Johnston

Reports last week suggested that Celtic were interested in signing Johnston from CF Montreal in Major League Soccer.

That has moved rapidly and a deal now appears to be on the verge of completion.

Fabrizio Romano reported on Friday that Celtic have reached a ‘verbal agreement’ with Montreal for Johnston’s signature.

Romano added that only final details are remaining with Johnston on the verge of becoming a Celtic player.

Johnston, 24, has been featuring for Canada at the World Cup.

Whilst he has played as a right back or right wing back for Montreal, he actually plays as a right-sided centre back for Canada.

Johnston is key in build-up play and Postecoglou has surely seen what he can offer going forward whilst also being pretty solid defensively.

Of course, playing against top-quality players from Belgium and Croatia means Johnston has been caught out a couple of times.

Yet based on this World Cup – and his four goals and four assists in 33 MLS games this past season – Celtic fans will feel that they have a quality player on their hands.

Johnston started for Canada today as they were beaten 4-1 by Croatia.

Pundit Tam McManus took to Twitter to make a bold claim, suggesting that Johnston actually looks like a ‘big upgrade’ on Juranovic.

Celtic right back Juranovic is a wanted man and the possibility of him leaving is ultimately why Celtic are moving in for Johnston.

McManus suggested that Johnston had been ‘quality’ for Canada, seemingly excited to see him in action for Celtic – and Bhoys fans will feel similarly after Johnston’s World Cup displays.