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Alistair Johnston breaks silence on Celtic transfer link – and Canada World Cup star ‘can’t keep smile off his face’

CANADA World Cup star Alistair Johnston has broken his silence on the stories linking him with a January move to Celtic.

We told you how the right sided Montreal CF defender was firmly on the Hoops radar as Ange Postecoglou looks to strengthen his squad for the second half of the season.

Canada’s Alistair Johnston controls the ball during the World Cup match
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Canada’s Alistair Johnston controls the ball during the World Cup matchCredit: AP
Alistair Johnston gets close and personal with Eden Hazard in Qatar
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Alistair Johnston gets close and personal with Eden Hazard in QatarCredit: Getty

With the Hoops in advanced talks to fast track a January move, reports yesterday claimed that a 'verbal agreement' had been reached with the player - with sources in Canada claiming he had even passed a medal.

While there has been no confirmation yet that Celtic have agreed personal terms with the 24-year-old, a deal seems likely as soon as Canada exit the World Cup.

The MLS side will want considerably more than the £800,000 they paid Nashville for the 24-year-old last December.

He said: “It’s an honour. Just being linked with them, my phone’s been blowing up.

“That nearly put my phone out of commission, halfway through a World Cup.

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"But right now, the focus is just solely on the national team.”

But as reported by Sportsnet journalist Peter Galindo, Johnston 'couldn't wipe the smile off his face when he discussed the Celtic links'.

The Canadians are back in action against Croatia in Sunday - in a match which could see him take on Josip Juranovic, a man who he could replace should a major club come in for the Croat.

Johnston has previously spoken about his desire to measure up with the game's big guns - in addition to his past as an ICE HOCKEY player.

Johnston, 24, is a man who likes a tackle, having played ICE HOCKEY competitively as a youngster.

Johnston told Canadian outlet Sportsnet recently: "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.

Johnston has spoken about the move for the first time
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Johnston has spoken about the move for the first time

"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.

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That’s something I just love.” 

The Hoops have have already announced the signing of Japanese defender Yuki Kobayashi on a long-term deal from J-League side Vissel Kobe.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

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