It breaks Colin Miller’s heart to admit it. But the former Rangers defender reckons Celtic have signed a gem in Alistair Johnston.
A full back in the mould of his old adversary Danny McGrain no less. And while the 24-year-old has a long way to go to even get close to the Hoops icon, Miller reckons the £3million signing from CF Montreal has what it takes to become a fans’ favourite at Parkhead in his own right.
The 58-year-old Scot - who won 61 caps for his adopted nation Canada between 1983 and 1997 - has seen enough of Johnston over the last few years to know he’s the real deal. He never got to work with him in a coaching capacity but in his role working for radio and TV for Vancouver Whitecaps he’s watched him up close. And he’s not surprised in the slightest to see the World Cup star snapped up by one of Glasgow’s big two.
Even if he is gutted that it’s the green half rather than the club he represented for two years in the early 80s. Miller told Record Sport : “I’ve seen a lot of Alistair and I like what I see. He’s everything you would expect in a modern full-back. He certainly enjoys joining in the attack, is quick and aggressive as hell and will get stuck into challenges.
“He has a terrific attitude, a very humble guy and is smart too. I asked a couple of staff members this week what he was like and they said he is a great team mate, just a good lad to have around the dressing room. I’m sure he will suit an Ange Postecoglou team. He’s very consistent. The fact Celtic maintain a lot of possession on the ball then it’s important he is clean with the ball. And he is.
“Does he remind me of anyone? Danny McGrain. And you won’t get much better than that. I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself because we are speaking about a Celtic legend.
“But if he comes remotely close to Danny’s level then the Celtic fans will be delighted. As much as it breaks my heart to say it because of my allegiance to Glasgow Rangers, I hope Alistair does well in Scotland and I think he will. I just hope his team doesn’t do so well!”
Miller is well qualified to rate the new Bhoy - not least as he was a full-back of note himself. He made a similar journey to Johnston 38 years ago when he left Toronto Blizzards for Rangers. Only seven top team appearances were forthcoming in two years at Ibrox before he went on to enjoy a career with Doncaster Rovers, Hearts, St Johnstone, Dunfermline and his hometown Hamilton Accies on two occasions.
But he also knows the Canadian Soccer circuit better than most after a two year spell as assistant coach for the national team including a short spell as interim head coach. FC Edmonton, whom he managed for five years, Vancouver Whitecaps, Victoria Highlanders and Abbotsford Rangers are also on his coaching CV.
So he knows where Johnson has come from as well as what lies in front of the player in Glasgow. Miller, who never got to sample an Old Firm derby as a player, said: “Alistair’s only 24 and, while I am very positive about him, the big test will be whether he can handle going from playing in front of 15-18,000 in Montreal to the goldfish bowl that is Glasgow.
“As we all know the Celtic and Rangers supporters can be pretty unforgiving at times when players aren’t playing well.
“If he was going to any other team in Scotland other than the Old Firm then, with the greatest respect, it might be an easier transition. But the fact he is playing in front of 60,000 every home game - and then when the Old Firm comes along - this will be a real eye opener for him.
“In North America crowds are solely reliant on the home support. This is where he will need to realise going away from home to places like Aberdeen and Dundee United, he will always have that huge travelling support with him.
“Nothing prepares you for it. I only played seven times for Rangers but the pressure that is on you every single day to make sure you turn up and produce the goods be it in training, a reserve game or for the first team is incredible.
“That intensity is always there. But I think his temperament, his attitude, will help him settle quickly. I just have a gut feeling about this one. He will be a very good signing.”
Johnston spoke recently of his upbringing in ice hockey helping him keep his feet as a young player coming through the football ranks.
And Miller, above, said: “Ice hockey is a very aggressive sport. Particularly in North America. The intensity the players crash into each other .. TV doesn’t do it justice to be honest.
“I would have kicked my granny to win. Alistair seems to be the same. He enjoys defending. It’s almost a dying breed that type of full-back where they don’t mind a one v one opportunity defensively.
“That’s going to help him at Celtic. He is as fit as a butcher’s dog and will get up and down that line. Alistair has also played at right centre back in a three. He is adaptable. He is in a group of young players for Canada that, when we joint host the next World Cup, then being at Celtic will hopefully help him get to the next level.”
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