How Alistair Johnston's Old Firm education primes him for Everton success as transfer wanted
Alistair Johnston knows all about high-pressure moments as Everton make their main right-back target clear.
The position is an area which has been made a top priority by David Moyes after much controversy last season.
Jake O'Brien featured in the role for the majority of the season, while Nathan Patterson and Seamus Coleman barely played a part.
Djed Spence and Guela Doue have been among several names linked with a move to Hill Dickinson, but a swoop for Johnston appears to be the most advanced.
It seems the Blues have had a bid for the Canada international rejected by Celtic this week, as suggested by manager Martin O'Neill, but their efforts won't stop there.
Everton are keen to land Johnston, but will have to up their offer to meet Celtic's valuation first, though it's clear to see why Moyes is so keen.
Alistair Johnston's Celtic journey bodes well with Everton prospect
Goodison News has gathered information that Celtic may demand around £25million for Johnston, though how much Everton are willing to spend remains to be seen.
The 27-year-old recently featured for his country at this summer's World Cup, as his performances may have been what caught the attention of Hill Dickinson officials.
Either way, Johnston's background of high-pressure games, such as multiple Old Firm matches, proves that he would be up to the task in Merseyside derbies and their overall ambitions.
He's often one of the more aggressive players when it comes to Celtic facing off against Rangers, usually somehow getting himself booked.
But that's not a con about the Canadian; it shows he understands how much football means to fans, and would no doubt quickly understand the Everton way.
Not only that, Johnston is a serial trophy-winner and has helped the Hoops to nine pieces of silverware during his time at Celtic Park.
It's the type of mentality that is needed by Moyes, as quality isn't always the answer.
Johnston's injury history may raise eyebrows
The last thing that Everton need is to be overpaying on a player who has a history of injury issues.
While Johnston isn't entirely a physio's nightmare, his recent issues do raise concerns.
According to Transfermarkt, Johnston was injured for 245 days last season due to a hamstring injury that didn't go away.
He did return for the business end of the season and made it through the World Cup with no issues, though that's not been his only problem.
The defender has previously undergone ankle surgery, which came at the end of a season where he missed several games due to the injury.
These injuries have all been fairly recent too, so let's just hope that if Everton do make a move, they are not getting another Patterson from the Scottish league.