'I coached Alistair Johnston and here is why he would be an Everton fan favourite'
A former coach of Alistair Johnston's believes the Celtic right-back is perfect for Everton.
David Moyes' side are looking to recruit a right-back, but with the Premier League season just days away, they have yet to find a solution.
There have been many links throughout the summer, but reports of a move for Johnston have appeared to be the most concrete.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill confirmed in a press conference that Moyes had personally called him to enquire.
There may be some reservations over the Canadian, who featured five times at the World Cup, due to the league he plays in.
However, for those who know him best, they feel that would not matter simply due to the fullback's mentality.
Why Alistair Johnston is the perfect right-back Everton
Johnston has worked his way up in the footballing world in order to make himself a starting World Cup fullback.
He has gone from playing semi-professional football in his home country with Vaughan Azzurri to playing in the MLS with Nashville SC.
Then, he made his European jump by joining Celtic back in 2023.
The fullback is now a four-time league champion and that mentality to be a winner has been with him since the early days.
Speaking to Goodison News, Patrice Gheisar, who worked with Johnston during his time at Ontario Premier League side Vaughan Azzurri, has shared what makes him perfect for Everton.
Ghesair stated: "Everton really suits him, and I hope it happens.
"Alistair has always been a fan favourite wherever he goes. He plays with passion and understands the culture of the clubs that he plays at.
"Everton, as far as I know, is a club that has always had ambitions to compete with limited resources. And that sums up Ali.
"He has often been someone overlooked because he is not 'flashy' but he is very good at the fundamental parts of football and always plays with passion.
"He will die before he lets you down."
The step up in quality would not faze Johnston, according to the coach, who was with the fullback at Vaughan Azzuri from 2015 to 2020.
He said: "I also think he is fearless and doesn’t care who he plays and will give us his all and in fact pushed us to new heights. He can play in different strategies as well and play short or long passes."
The praise and analysis from a coach who knows Johnston quite well, certainly does increase the appeal of a transfer.
However, now with fears over Johnston's injuries, that could put a dampner on any potential move.
Where does Johnston's injury leave Everton?
The 27-year-old is set to be out for around six weeks, but according to previous reports, that has not changed Everton's pursuit of Johnston.
O'Neill admitted that Johnston won't be back until after the transfer deadline, but with Everton needing a long-term solution, should a short-term problem throw them off what appears to be a top target?
Yes, the Canadian's injury is not ideal but if he is what Moyes wants, then suffering for a few weeks without him with a potential of many years at right-back ahead would be worth it.
Time will of course tell where this transfer story goes but he does seem like a player that would get what if means to pull on that blue shirt.