Jackie McNamara has warned Celtic to brace themselves for interest in Alistair Johnston this summer. The Canadian international was a major miss for the champions last year after missing most of the campaign with a hamstring injury. But he returned in time to help the Parkhead side smash over the winning line as they wrapped up their fifth title on the spin.
While Martin O'Neill will be looking forward to having the right-back back fit for the whole of next season, Johnston first has a World Cup on home soil to look forward to. McNamara, however, reckons positive performances for the Canucks against Bosnia, Qatar and Switzerland could disrupt his club boss' plans.
McNamara's Warning
He said: "I think AJ's been a great signing for Celtic. He was definitely a loss on that right side this season. I know Auston Trusty fitted in at times but having that balance there to stretch the game down the right is important for the way Celtic play, so it was a big plus him coming back at late in the season. The timing of his return in the season was crucial."
"And yeah, I think they'll be hoping that he is one who stays. But anybody - even if it's someone like Benjamin Nygren after all the goals he scored this season - if they have a good World Cup they will be linked with moves. That's never going to change. If they're doing well, if their numbers are good such as Arne Engels or Daizen Maeda, you will have teams interested. And it might be the same with AJ."
Contingency Planning
Johnston arrived at Celtic in 2022 to replace Josip Juranovic. And McNamara hopes Parkhead chiefs are already drawing up a wish list for those who could one day fill Johnston's boots. He said: "It was the same when Kyogo left, when Moussa Dembele left, when Virgil Van Dijk left - it's about making sure they're not missed and that comes down to the recruitment and having a forward plan to make sure of that. Recruitment is difficult because you're competing at the highest level. It's not just about spending lots and lots of money because that doesn't prove anything or guarantee anything. It's spending it wisely."
Injury Crisis Managed
Johnston wasn't the only casualty O'Neill had to concern himself last season. But the veteran gaffer didn't let a string of long-term injuries derail his bid for a remarkable Double triumph. McNamara said: "I don't think it was talked about enough, the amount of players Celtic missed this year. Starting with the goalkeeper situation with Kasper Schmeichel's injury, Cameron Carter-Vickers was also a massive one, Jota too. You add in the fact they've also struggled in the striking area. Even with the ones they brought in in January, they've all been injured or not playing."
"The fact Martin has managed to navigate his way through some really important games while also playing in Europe to get it over the line is incredible. He's had to manage Kelechi Iheanacho, bringing in at certain points in games because you can't start him as he won't last the 90. You've got to give him immense credit for how they've done that."
McNamara was launching the Refugee World Cup Scotland 2026 tournament on Sunday, June 21 at Toryglen Regional Football Centre. The Wheatley Group and Glasgow Life sponsored event celebrates the diversity of communities in Scotland through football.
