Alistair Johnston looks set to become a Celtic player in the coming weeks and has already had the unique chance to size-up his competition in Glasgow.
That is due to the fact the Canadian star faced off with current Hoops defender Josip Juranovic during a World Cup group stage game against Croatia this week. The 24-year-old fullback seems to have been unable to hide his excitement at a potential move to Glasgow, with Ange Postecoglou looking to get the deal finalised soon after terms were agreed with his club Montreal FC.
It is believed the Scottish champions will fork out around £3m for Johnston, but reports suggest number-one choice right-back Juranovic could be heading out of Glasgow with interest swirling around the 27-year-old. The Hoops are said to be willing to listen to offers for the former Legia Warsaw man who still has a few years left on his current deal at Parkhead.
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And Johnston knows the strength in depth he could face when arriving at Celtic, and believes Juranovic holds a key trait that shows why fans 'love him'. He told the Daily Mail: "Josip is a really good player. I had a little chat with him after the game and he is a good lad. He played an unbelievable game for Croatia and he's quick, isn't he? He is a solid player and it's easy to see why Celtic fans love him.
"He brought the Celtic situation up a little bit to me, but that's a conversation I can hopefully have with him in a little more detail in the future. For now, I just wish him and Croatia all the best for the rest of the World Cup."
Meanwhile Juranovic has delayed any big call on his future, insisting the World Cup takes centre stage. He said: "I just have to wait until the World Cup finishes, then see what happens. At this moment, I am just so focused on the national team.
"The World Cup is an amazing experience and I want to savour every minute and give my all. Whatever happens after that will happen."
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