MARTIN O’NEILL has revealed heart-to-heart talks with Alistair Johnston after news broke that Everton were about to step up their efforts to sign him.
The Canadian World Cup right-back is a target for Merseyside boss Davie Moyes, as CQN reported yesterday.
Now O’Neill is bracing himself for an offer for the popular defender who cost £3.75million when Ange Postecoglou brought him to Parkhead from MLS outfit CF Montreal in January 2023.
Johnston became an immediate hit as he seamlessly replaced Josip Juranovic before the Croatia international’s switch to Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin after just 18 months at the champions.
The 27-year-old back-four operator impressed again during the World Cup Finals to trigger Everton’s move to lure him to the English top flight.
HAMPDEN HALLELUJAH…Alistair Johnston celebrates Celtic’s Scottish Cup win last season.
O’Neill, speaking to the Daily Record, admitted: “I’ve spoken to him on the back of the interest. Again, it was one of those where Alistair is perfectly happy here at the football club.
“But like anything else, your head can get turned very quickly, particularly if it’s a really good club.
“He wouldn’t leave here for a second-class Premier League club, if there is such a thing, but if a big, big club comes in, it’s something you would have to look at.
“And I think it’s only natural as well. If I was a player, I’d be exactly the same.”
Johnston missed a chunk of last season after limping off during the 2-1 Europa League win over Sturm Graz at Parkhead on October 23.
He returned in April to play his part in the Hoops’ surge to a remarkable league and Cup double.
Julian Araujo, who arrived on loan from Bournemouth in January, Anthony Ralston and Colby Donovan stepped in during his absence.
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