Celtic told to resist cashing in on key man as two electric World Cup displays could lead to 'unthinkable' scenario
A mass exodus of senior players could occur this summer - but a Hoops legend hopes the right-back isn’t one of them
Chris Sutton is adamant Celtic should resist the urge to cash in on Alistair Johnston this summer - even if they were to receive any big-money bids for the defender.
The Scottish champions have moved to tie down boss Martin O’Neill’s backroom staff with Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham both close to agreeing deals to return to the club on permanent roles.
The Irishman is expected to front a major recruitment drive ahead of the new campaign, with some first-team players currently not involved at the World Cup due to report back for pre-season training at the end of next week.
Celtic are bracing for several big name departures over the coming weeks with Japanese duo Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate likely to head for pastures new and interest soaring in Arne Engles and Benjamin Nygren.
Right-back Johnston has also drawn attention following two outstanding performances for Canada at the World Cup as Jesse Marsch’s side booked their place in the knockout stages with a game to spare.
However, if Parkhead legend Sutton had his way, Johnston would be staying put as he urged his former club to shoot down any offers for the 27-year-old.
“It would be unthinkable to allow Johnston to go this summer,” he admitted. “There are going to be a lot of players leaving. I’d expect Maeda and Hatate to go and it’s hard to see Engels remaining with talk of Nottingham Forest coming back in and Crystal Palace also interested.
“That is a lot of key players going out the building, so there’s no way they can also sell Johnston at this stage – regardless the price.
“There is already a huge job required to get this squad ready for the domestic campaign but, importantly, the Champions League qualifier. Celtic will need to bring players in but they’ll also need to keep hold of their experienced campaigners.”
Meanwhile, Celtic will also decide this week in the coming days whether to exercise their right to tie down forward Kelechi Iheanacho and midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on contract extensions.
The pair both penned short-term deals during the second half of last season, but are understood to be keen on remaining at Parkhead for another 12 months.