We'd prefer Johnston stayed here to train

MARTIN O'NEILL admits he would rather keep Alistair Johnston at Lennoxtown as he builds back to a Celtic return.

- BY CRAIG SWAN

The Canadian right-back is back in training having been absent for almost five months with a hamstring injury.

But, despite seeing no game action, he has been named in Canada's squad for their games against Iceland and Tunisia.

The 27-year-old is not due to play but O'Neill said: “We would probably prefer him to stay.

“I don't think it’s going to be a big issue as long as he’s training somewhere.