Latest news with #MaxJohnston
BBC News
3 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
'Sunderland consider Scotland's Johnston'
Sunderland have their eyes on Sturm Graz right-back Max Johnston, but only if Trai Hume seals a transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Lens and Nice are also closely watching the 21-year-old Scotland defender. (Ekrem Konur on X), externalSturm Graz would be looking for a transfer fee of around £3m before parting with Scotland full-back Max Johnston. (The Scotsman), externalRead Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.
STV News
3 days ago
- Sport
- STV News
Scotland suffer defeat to Iceland in Hampden friendly
Scotland have suffered defeat to Iceland in a disappointing night at Hampden. The visitors ran out 3-1 winners in Glasgow on Friday, in what was the national team's first game since the Nations League play-off against Greece in March. Andri Guðjohnsen opened the scoring after just nine minutes with an unstoppable strike that flew into the top corner. Rangers defender John Souttar headed home the equaliser midway through the first half when he turned a corner from Max Johnston into the net. Iceland had the lead again just before the break, thanks to an own-goal by Lewis Ferguson, and Victor Palsson made it three at the start of the second 45. One positive from the night was seeing a host of young players given the opportunity to impress at international level. Max Johnston and George Hirst were handed their first starts, and were two of Scotland's better players, with teenage Motherwell star Lennon Miller and Ipswich youngster Cieran Slicker both earning their first caps from the bench. But other than that, it was a night to forget for the Tartan Army, particularly the 30,000 in attendance. Steve Clarke was forced into making the first change of the match when Angus Gunn limped off after just seven minutes following a collision and awkward landing. Slicker was his replacement, and he had to pick the ball out of the net just moments later following Guðjohnsen's strike that made it 1-0. The Gent forward is the son of former Chelsea and Barcelona star Eidur Guðjohnsen, who played 88 times for Iceland during his prestigious career. Scotland's goal also came from the son of a former international star, this time an assist, from Johnston, whose dad Allan won 18 caps between 1998 and 2002. The Sturm Graz right back, making his first start for the national team, provided the corner from which Souttar scored from to make it 1-1. Bologna captain Ferguson then turned the ball into his own net in first-half injury-time to put the visitors 2-1 up at the break. The second half was just five minutes old when Palsson headed past Slicker to extend Iceland's lead. George Hirst thought he had thrown Scotland a lifeline when he had the ball in the net on the hour mark, but his effort was ruled out for offside. SPFL Young Player of the Year Lennon Miller won his first cap when he was introduced into the action with 25 minutes left to play. Overall, it was very much a night to forget for Clarke and his players at the end of what has been a long season for many of them. But they will have to pick themselves up again for the game against Liechtenstein on Monday before they can enjoy a summer break. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
BBC News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Clarke on limiting experimentation, Tierney milestone & goal-shy strikers
International friendly: Scotland v IcelandWhen: Friday, 6 June Where: Hampden Park Kick-off: 19:45 BSTCoverage: Watch live on BBC One Scotland and BBC Sport website & app, online text updates, listen on BBC Radio Scotland Scotland manager Steve Clarke has been speaking to the media before the friendly against Iceland at Hampden on Friday are the key points:Clarke says it is beneficial to have friendlies, although he hinted he won't be experimenting too much with personnel. The "biggest thing" for him is that everyone has turned up - "one or two could made some excuses" - and all want to Kieran Tierney, who is set to win his 50th cap on Friday: "A top, top player, and we're lucky to have him". Clarke adds that if it wasn't for injuries, Tierney would have more not inclined to experiment much with his line-up, Clarke says there has to be a cycle and turnover of players, but youngsters are being brought in to experience what it's like being in the camp and understand where they need to get to for adds it's important not to "discard" players who've been relatively successful over the says one or two players involved in the last camp, such as Max Johnston, have come into this one with more confidence. "You can tell immediately he's maturing," says Clarke of Johnston. No striker has scored for Scotland in the past 11 games, but Clarke refuses to be "too harsh" on them, insisting they play a certain way to link the play and bring the midfield into the final third. "They make a major contribution to getting the goals."Clarke is at a loss to explain Scotland's poor record in friendlies - one win in nine - and says it would be nice to change that in the next two says Iceland will be tough opponents despite the disappointment of their Nations League play-off defeat by Kosovo. They "have a threat" and will want to have a go, so he's expecting an entertaining night.
Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
Max Johnston hopes club success by Scottish players can boost national team
The 21-year-old right-back was part of Sturm Graz's championship-winning side, while Napoli pair Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour, Liverpool's Andy Robertson and Celtic's Anthony Ralston have also met up with the national team for the friendlies against Iceland and Liechtenstein fresh from top-flight glory. In addition, Lewis Ferguson captained Bologna to their Coppa Italia triumph, Josh Doig helped Sassuolo to the Serie B title and Grant Hanley won League One with Birmingham. 'It's amazing to see how many trophies in so many different countries that the boys have won,' said Johnston. 'It's amazing to see Scottish players doing so well abroad and it's really encouraging for us that players are starting to win titles now and win cups, so I think that's going to be huge for us. 'As a footballer you want to be a winner, so it's great to see. That'll definitely help us.' Johnston, who moved from Motherwell to Austria two years ago, also appeared in the Champions League as he made 30 appearances for Sturm Graz in the season just finished. The campaign before that, he played 27 times as his side won the league and cup double. Max Johnston (centre) made his Scotland debut in March (Andrew Milligan/PA) Johnston is thrilled with the way his move from Motherwell to the Austrian Bundesliga two years ago has panned out so far. 'It was really enjoyable for me winning the league over in Austria, it was a good season,' he said. 'I feel like I've improved definitely by getting the amount of minutes that I've managed to get over the last year or so. 'As a footballer you need to play to continue to learn, so I feel as though I've been learning and improving every week. 'The Austrian league is a great league for young players. They really try and push the younger generation and give you an opportunity to play. I've really enjoyed the experience on and off the pitch.' Max Johnston's dad Allan (left) played for Scotland (David Cheskin/PA) Johnston's progress at club level was rewarded when he made his Scotland debut as a late substitute in the Nations League play-off win away to Greece in March, and he now intends to push for more regular involvement with the national team. 'I've got a small taste for it now and it's just made me hungry for more,' he said. 'I want to try and bring what I can to the squad. I like to get forward from my position and create attacking chances, so hopefully that's what I can do for the squad.' Johnston is inspired by his father Allan, a former Hearts, Sunderland, Rangers, Middlesbrough and Kilmarnock winger who won 18 Scotland caps between 1998 and 2002. 'I'm so lucky to have grown up with someone who was involved in the game and he's been a huge help to me, him and my mum as well,' said Johnston. 'Obviously, they've been coming over to Austria and helping me out over there as well, so I'm very lucky for that.'
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Scotland starlet hungry for caps after under radar European league title-winning breakthrough season
21-year-old emulating his ex-Scotland international father Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Scotland's Serie-A based cohort of Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour and Lewis Ferguson are hogging the headlines for their trophy exploits on the continent, but there is another Scot also shining in Europe. Step forward right-back Max Johnston, fresh from winning the Austrian Bundesliga with Sturm Graz. The 21-year-old has forced his way into the first team under Jürgen Säumel and can look forward to Champions League football once again with Die Schwoazn. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This has been a breakthrough season for Johnston, who moved to Graz from Motherwell two years ago. While he was part of the squad that won the league title in the 2023/24 campaign, he has played a significant role this time around. He has featured against the likes of Borussia Dortmund in European football and won his first Scotland cap back in March, coming on as a sub against Greece. Max Johnston (centre) during a Scotland training session at The City Stadium this week ahead of Friday's friendly against Iceland at Hampden. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) | SNS Group Johnston has flown under the radar for some Scotland fans, but over in Austria, he is winning rave reviews for his performances as an attack-minded full-back for Sturm Graz. He faces stiff competition to be a starter for Scotland in that area, given that Tony Ralston currently occupies the jersey. Nathan Patterson and Aaron Hickey are also coming back from long-term injuries. Scotland are well stocked in that department. Johnston's career trajectory is only upwards right now. His father Allan was also a Scotland internationalist, landing 18 caps and two goals, and has played a key part in his son's development, taking him on loan to Queen of the South and offering plenty of advice. Back when it is was largely unfashionable for Scottish players to leave the UK, Johnston Snr decided to make the move to French club Rennes for a season in 1996. He played 23 games for the Breton outfit after six years at Hearts, before moving back to Britain with Sunderland. His experiences meant that Johnston Jnr had an easy sounding board when Sturm Graz came calling. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Allan Johnston, the father of Max Johnston, in action for Scotland in a 3-2 win over Estonia at Tynecastle in 1998. | SNS Group 0141 221 3602 "Obviously my dad had a time in France [with Rennes] as well when he moved on from Hearts and I think he was a wee bit older [22]," said Johnston. "But of course I was lucky enough that I got to ask him for a bit of advice on how he managed to deal with moving abroad and stuff. He's been a really big help and he really pushed me to do it. "I think he was telling me that sometimes you just need to take a chance. There's always going to be competition no matter what club or where you play your football. There's always going to be competition, but sometimes you just need to be brave enough to take that step and work your way into the team. I think that's what I've done. "I think I was just more excited that I had the opportunity to go out and try something different. You see how well the other boys over in Italy had done at that time. They had a lot of success, so for me it was a great opportunity. "It's a reality shock when you know you're going to have dinners made for you and that and you're coming home from training. But no, it's something that I've really enjoyed the whole process of." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Not quite everything. Johnston is bashful when he is asked how his German is coming along. "Don't ask, I don't want to know!" he laughed. Such has been Johnston's form this season for a title-winning club, he has been loosely linked with a move. The defender has ambition but for now is enjoying the moment in Graz. Scotland's Max Johnston (left) in action for Sturm Graz during a Champions League match against Lille in France in December 2024. (Photo by DENIS CHARLET/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images "Obviously I really enjoy Austria," he continued. "I think it's been great for me. I'm contracted for another two years over there and I'm really enjoying it. But obviously as a player, there's a level I want to reach, so we'll see what happens. "The club's been really good to me since I went over. They really helped me out, helped me settle in when I first got over. It's good, we've got a good changing room as well, so the boys are quite close and we spend a lot of time together." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Team bonding has been helped by landing silverware and a partisan fanbase who have revelled in success. "Aye, the fans, it's amazing," he said. 'The experience of winning the double last year and winning the league this year, you just see how much it means to the fans and the city's amazing to be fair. "This year we had a big stage just outside the stadium and we just went and seen the fans for a bit and stuff, but it was amazing. One I'll never forget. I don't know how many fans were there, but it was a lot of people." Johnston's father faced an arduous journey to be a proud parent on the sidelines in Piraeus three months ago - "I think he got three flights that day to get over just for the game, so I'm very grateful that I've got him on my side and I'm just lucky that he got to see it," said Johnston. He is hoping his dad won't have to travel quite as far for his next one, when Scotland play Iceland at Hampden on Friday.
