Canada coach John Herdman is excited to see what the future holds for Alistair Johnston with one of the World Cup’s breakout stars close to sealing a £4 million move to Celtic, speaking to the MLS website.
Now, they say the table never lies. But it has been known to fib on occasions.
Canada bowed out at the group stages without a single point to show for their efforts. But anyone who watched on in awe as Herdman’s plucky side ran rings around Belgium’s ‘Olden Generation’, before giving Croatia a run for their money, will tell you that Johnston and co can still look themselves in the mirror and be proud of the quality and the determination they showed on the biggest of stages.
Johnston, the 24-year-old wing-back/centre-half, appears to have earned himself a £4 million move to Europe on the back of his eye-catching performances in Group F.
Celtic, per the Daily Record, are confident of sealing as £3 million deal for the Montreal CF defender.
Celtic are signing Canada ace Alistair Johnston after impressive World Cup campaign
“Alistair’s career is going to be on a real positive trajectory,” smiles Canada’s County Durham-born coach. “I think Ali is just one of the many who are going to benefit from (their) performances in this World Cup.”
Johnston, who’s all-action, buccaneering style looks well-suited to Ange Postecoglou’s up-and-at-em approach, will become Celtic’s second January signing after Japan international Yuki Kobayashi.
He could reportedly replace Josip Juranovic at Parkhead; the coveted Croatian attracting attention from Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and West Ham, to name but three.
And, speaking to the Scottish Daily Mail, Johnston admits that conversations with Montreal team-mate and former Hoops favourite Victor Wanyama have played a part in his impending switch to Glasgow.
“Victor is one who has definitely been in my ear about it. He had glowing reviews for the club,” Johnston beams. “He was one of the ones who said to me; ‘Look, if you get an opportunity and something comes up at Celtic, you have to take it.’
“Vic says it’s the biggest club he’s ever played for. And he has played for some pretty big clubs in Spurs and Southampton. So that was a pretty glowing recommendation.”
“He said that anywhere he went he still got constant shouts of ‘hail hail’ and ‘come on the Bhoys!’ So I got a glowing review from Victor, and I have done a lot of my own research. Victor has done a lot of research for me as well, to be fair.
“He’s the best agent Celtic could have.”
In addition to Juranovic, Postecoglou could also lose Giorgios Giakoumakis in the New Year (Record).
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