Alistair Johnston told next Celtic transfer step as his biggest fan shoots for the moon

As Canada boss he had superstar talent at his disposal in Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David. But when it came to building a team to play at the World Cup?

John Herdman knew there was one key component - Celtic defender Alistair Johnston. That’s how highly the current Toronto FC gaffer rates the Parkhead right-back. Johnston is in the USA right now competing at Copa America for the Canadian national team. And his former head coach reckons the 25-year-old has NEVER had a bad game for his country.

It’s natural for Hoops fans to want their players to do well at international level. But Herdman says if Johnston continues to shine for Canada on that stage, clubs in bigger leagues will try and tempt him away from Glasgow. The full-back has been a revelation for Celtic since Ange Postecoglou signed him from Montreal in January last year. His first game was an Old Firm derby at Ibrox against Rangers and he took to it like a duck to water.

Since then, he’s been a staple in the Celtic side - and a vital player for Brendan Rodgers last term as they won a Double. Herdman is one of Johnston’s biggest fans, having given him his Canada debut in 2021.

He believes his best years are ahead of him and that he’s capable of playing in the Premier League. But Herdman insists it will be his performances for his country - and not his club - which could take his game to another level.

In an exclusive interview with Mailsport: “To play in the Premier League, I think Ali has got to make a mark on the international stage with Canada. They have to win something like a Gold Cup or get to a Copa America semi-final or final. They have to get some big results against bigger nations. His form in Scotland will take him so far. And his Champions