Max Johnston reacts to Sturm Graz gamble that’s paid off big time as he celebrates Austrian league and cup double

The full-back has won the Austrian Bundesliga and cup in his first season at Sturm Graz after leaving Motherwell last summer and will now play in the Champions League next season.

Max Johnston reckons lifting a dream double more than justifies his decision to move to Sturm Graz.

Eyebrows were raised when Scotland’s Young Player of the Year left Motherwell for Austria last summer. Johnston had options down south in the Premier League and Championship, plus Italy and across Europe, but decided on an adventure which has seen him bank Bundesliga and cup medals. Sturm Graz clinched the league on Sunday with a 2-0 win over Austria Klagenfurt. The Scotland Under-21 cap said: “It was brilliant to be part of, to win a double in my first season at Sturm Graz.

Not a lot of people get to experience something like this so I am really grateful for this opportunity. When the final whistle went and we knew we were champions, it was some feeling. We’d worked the whole year and to get rewarded with the title was amazing.” Johnston helped his side break Red Bull Salzburg’s monopoly, winning their first title in 14 years. It came on the back of their cup final triumph over Rapid Vienna earlier this month.

Austria was facing its own Helicopter Sunday, although Sturm Graz knew that if they won the only thing taking off would be their title celebrations Johnston, who 18 months ago was on loan at Cove in the Championship, added: “It could have gone either way. We were 1-0 up when I came on. We did well, managed to get the second goal and get the victory over the line.

“I wasn’t aware of the Red Bull score. I just knew if we won, we would win the league and that is all I was focusing on.”

People questioned why Johnston went to Austria but he is in no doubt he made the right choice. He hasn’t always been a starter but believes he has become a far better player. The full-back earned his first senior Scotland call-up for the friendly with France in October.

Now the door to Euro 2024 is open with Nathan Patterson and Aaron Hickey out. He said: “To think I was playing in the Championship last season is incredible. I am grateful I have savoured this at Sturm Graz and hopefully there will be plenty more to come. I have no regrets at all. It has been a great move.

“Some people might look at it and say I haven’t played as many minutes as in previous years. I’d counter by saying I’ve massively improved as a player. It has been some experience... coming to Austria, staying by myself and settling into a new culture. It has been a challenge but one I have really enjoyed and embraced.”

Champions League football has been sealed and Johnston, 20, added: “I know there is still more to come. We go straight into the groups. I think we are guaranteed eight games. It is brilliant we have that opportunity.”