McManus: Josip Juranovic’s Celtic days are numbered as ‘impressive’ upgrade already lined up
Celtic should replace Josip Juranovic with Alistair Johnson after his poor performances at the World Cup.
That’s according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the defender’s future.
On 17 November, sources told this site that the Celts have given the green light to the 27-year-old to leave in January after new contract talks collapsed.
The defender is keen to listen to offers from elite clubs and the Green and Whites are willing to sell if their asking price is met.
According to the Daily Record (28 November), the Hoops are confident of securing a deal for Canadian right-back Johnston that could be worth up to £3million.
McManus would not be surprised to see Johnston replace Juranovic.
“I thought Juranovic was poor against Canada,” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“He was up against Alphonso Davies at times and to be fair, for me, he is one of the best players in the world.
“Defensively he was poor and obviously you have Johnston on the other side who played really, really well, impressive performance. He showed he could be a very good player for Celtic.
“He suits Ange’s style, he was very good going forward and very aggressive in the press. If Celtic were to sign him and get rid of Juranovic, that’s a sensible move.
“I think either way Celtic will be looking to cash in on Juranovic. He is too inconsistent and they need to improve in that area.
“Looking at the World Cup, you would have to say that Johnston is an upgrade.”
In other news, McAvennie has issued ‘big’ Celtic claim as Daizen Maeda quotes emerge.