Alistair Johnston has opened up on the ice hockey mentality that he brought to football as the reported Celtic transfer target revealed: 'I've always loved the feeling of just laying someone out'.
It has been claimed Ange Postecoglou is tracking the Canada World Cup star with the future of star man Josip Juranovic unclear. It's believed that the Hoops 'will consider' offers for the full-back after his involvement in Qatar with Croatia with FC Montreal defender Johnston a potential replacement as the Scottish champions look to add further reinforcements.
Yoku Kobayashi is already in the door ahead of the January transfer window with the Hoops swooping to land the highly-regarded Vissel Kobe defender on a five-year deal. The 22-year-old is a left-sided centre-back and he will join up with his new team-mates next week. But he won't be able to make his competitive bow until next year.
READ MORE: England World Cup star Kieran Trippier details headbutt from former Celtic man that left him scarred
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Johnston was in action for Canada last night against Belgium in their World Cup opener and he showed his tough tackling with a strong challenge late on with the Red Devils on the break that earned him a caution.
Speaking to Canadian outlet Sportsnet recently, he said: "I played hockey competitively in the winter and then soccer in the summer, and I was always known as a guy who loved to bodycheck and to hit guys.
"I’ve always loved the feeling of just laying someone out, as crazy as that sounds, and I just brought that attitude into soccer.
"I love a good tackle to this day.
"Nothing gets me more excited [than] if I get clattered into by an opponent or I clatter into him and it’s clean and the guy starts pushing me back.
"That’s something I just love.”
Canada were unlucky to leave without any points on the board from their opener with two games in the group still to play. They will come up against a Croatia side containing Celtic's Juranovic and Rangers' Borna Barisic on Sunday and then Morocco on Thursday next week.
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