Alistair Johnston set for Celtic debut after latest development – ‘he will play’, says expert
Frank McAvennie has backed Alistair Johnston to make his Celtic debut on Saturday (24 December).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker can’t understand why Johnston has not made an appearance yet.
The Green and Whites confirmed the signing of the 24-year-old on 3 December amid uncertainty over the future of first choice right-back Josip Juranovic.
It was Anthony Ralston who started in defence for the Hoops on 21 December against Livingston with Juranovic still absent following his 3rd place World Cup finish.
Ralston was subbed off in the second half with an injury and with no right-backs on the bench, it was Greg Taylor who shifted positions to provide cover.
As quoted by the Celtic Way (21 December), Ange Postecoglou said they will have to wait and see the extent of Ralston’s injury ahead of the game against St Johnstone on Saturday (24 December).
When asked if Hoops fans could expect to see Johnston in the starting XI on Saturday, McAvennie told Football Insider: “I would imagine he will play.
“He will have had a holiday by now because they [Canada] got knocked out in the group stages. [Daizen] Maeda is back and he got knocked out later.
“I would think he is there he just might not be up to scratch. I would rather play a right-back than play a left-back at right-back. It is a situation like that, I do not understand it.
“I would think you will see him. But, the way Celtic play I do not know if he is up to speed. We have seen a lot of players come to Celtic and not get a game for a while, until they get up to standards.
“But Johnston looks as if he will be alright. It is a shame for Ralston though.“
In other news, a pundit can’t believe ‘remarkable’ Josip Juranovic news at Celtic.