How the media reacted to Alistair Johnston’s Canada performance in 6-0 Canada win vs Qatar
Celtic defender Alistair Johnston was one of the top performers as Canada thrashed Qatar 6-0 at the World Cup.
Like many of his teammates, Johnston had a mixed display during Canada's first game of the World Cup, a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
However, helped by two red cards for Qatar and a Jonathan David hat-trick, Canada cruised to their first ever World Cup victory.
Johnston's future could be away from Celtic this summer as the club are expecting interest in the 27-year-old, and his World Cup displays could attract even more attention.
The right-back, who has been at Celtic since 2023, missed much of the season due to injury, but returned for the final six games of the campaign to help the Hoops win a league and cup double.
Julian Araujo is not expected to join Celtic on a permanent deal, meaning Johnston firmly remains the club's starting right-back.
Alistair Johnston had 'best game' for Canada
It was easy to see why Johnston could attract interest this summer, as he dazzled during Canada's win over Qatar.
Johnston had a host of impressive stats, creating the most big chances and making the most key passes of any player on the pitch across the 90 minutes.
Successfully completing 92 per cent of his passes, all his dribbles and four accurate crosses, Johnston was lauded by the Canadian media post-match.
Canadian outlet Sportsnet gave Johnston an eight and a half out of 10 rating and said: "Maybe his best game in a Canada shirt? Johnston constantly probed the Qatar defence.
"The six chances created are nice, of course, but his role in helping the squad regroup following [Ismael] Kone’s horrible injury was massive."
Sports Illustrated were also full of praise in their verdict: "Bested two defenders down the right flank in the build-up to Larin’s opener. Expertly linked up with [Tajon] Buchanan to turn the right flank into a playground for Canada."
Goal added: "The Celtic fullback was tenacious in his approach, making himself a central figure in wide overloads with Buchanan, Kone, and David."
Meanwhile, sources told Football Insider that Bosnia midfielder Ivan Basic, who played against Johnston in the opening World Cup match, is a target for Celtic this summer.
Why keeping Alistair Johnston is key for Celtic?
Canada's victory means they are likely to now qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.
Johnston's value could rise if he continues to shine, although manager Martin O'Neill is unlikely to want to lose another of his top players this summer.
O'Neill is already facing the prospect of a major rebuild of the Celtic squad this summer, and keeping Johnston will help his aim of competing in Europe, as well as domestically.
The release of the Scottish Premiership fixture list means Celtic will begin their title defence on Monday 3 August against Dundee, where Johnston would be expected to start.