Celtic must brace for Alistair Johnston interest after Pat Bonner’s warning about a ‘big bid’

From the now-injured loan star Julian Araujo to rising youngster Colby Donovan, but as Pat Bonner stated, Johnston is still the key man in that position.

But Celtic’s legendary goalkeeper is fearful that a ‘big bid’ will come in for Johnston when the transfer window re-opens in the summer.

“He has the qualities,” said Bonner. “He has the qualities that a Celtic player needs to have to perform here. 

“I think there will be people watching him very closely in the summer. Maybe a big bid might come in for him.”

If so, who would you have in mind?

Pat Bonner feels you build your team around players like Alistair Johnston

It’s pretty clear to everyone that Celtic need a clear-out in the summer, and there will be many players heading for the exit door.

That’s even if Martin O’Neill guides Celtic to the domestic double, because the massive issues of this campaign can’t be forgotten about.

But while everyone debates how the majority of the XI needs a makeover, you could argue that one position that is actually set in stone is right-back.

That all comes down to Johnston, who remains the undisputed number one.

As far as Bonner is concerned, even if massive money is thrown on the table this summer, Celtic simply must keep hold of him.

It’s not just the Canada star’s quality, but also his leadership skills that are pivotal to Celtic, as Bonner told BBC Radio Scotland that, no matter who is the manager next season, Johnston has to be key to his plans.

“You can see his attributes,” said Bonner. “You don’t even have to be in the training pitch with him.

“He has the qualities. He has the qualities that a Celtic player needs to have to perform here. He has been very unfortunate with injuries. I think they took him back too quickly last time. That was a mistake. 

“I hope that doesn’t happen again because he has a World Cup to look forward to. I think there will be people watching him very closely in the summer. Maybe a big bid might come in for him.

“I think if they are going to build a team, he is the type of player that they have to keep at this club. There is a lot that will probably go out of the door.

“But he will be one, for me, you will say right away, ‘you are here at the club. You are going to be part of the future, and no matter what manager is in charge, we will look at him and say he will be a starter every week.’”