Max Johnston reveals what Michael Wimmer's Motherwell will look like after Austria Vienna sneak peak

The former Steelmen saw the new Fir Park head coach up close when Sturm Graz faced Austria Vienna last season

Max Johnston hasn’t been surprised to see Michael Wimmer make an immediate impact at Motherwell.

The former Steelmen saw the new Fir Park head coach first-hand as he came up against his Austria Vienna side with Sturm Graz last season. Many eyebrows were raised when the Lanarkshire side appointed the relatively unknown German but not Johnston.

Johnston, who was named in Steve Clarke's Scotland squad for the Nations League play-off games with Greece, told Record Sport: “He has started well at Motherwell and it looks like he will be a good fit for the club.

“He has obviously caught the headlines with a couple of wins, including the one against Rangers which will have been good for him. People in Scotland might not have known much about him before his appointment but he is a top coach.

“His Austria Vienna side were really impressive and this season they are up with us challenging for the title. Motherwell are now in the top six and they have a really good quality within their squad so the appointment looks like it could really work.

“It is something different and I am sure that he will build on the good work and foundations that Stuart Kettlewell had left.”

Johnston actually made his first start at Sturm Graz against Austria Vienna. Wimmer ruined his big day with a 1-0 win. Johnston admitted he likes to play three at the back and to get the ball forward quickly. It is a similar approach to what he has already adopted in his early weeks in Scotland.

Johnston, who has helped Sturm Graz back to the top of the table, added: “I played against his team last year. I actually made my first start for Sturm Graz against his Austria Vienna team.

“It was a really difficult game and Austria Vienna have been one of the top teams since I have come over here. When he was in charge they were a very good and dangerous team.

“He played a five at the back and he liked to get the ball forward and to create as many goalscoring opportunities as possible. He also liked to press high and his team was full of energy.

“They got the ball forward whenever they could and they made it difficult. They were also strong physically and were well organised.

“What I remember is that their set plays were important and they have a number of variations which keep us guessing and on our toes.”

Wimmer will be hoping to extend Motherwell’s recent unbeaten run when they entertain St Mirren this weekend.