Johnston’s younger brother Malcolm has just been let go by Portland Timbers 2 in the MLS Reserve League
Alistair Johnston(Image: SNS Group)
Alistair Johnston returned to fitness at exactly the right time to help Celtic win a Premiership and Scottish Cup double.
And the Parkhead star is now trying to use his profile to help his younger brother Malcolm land a big transfer to Europe.
The Canada full back has been a big hit since joining the Hoops from CF Montreal in January 2022. Johnston started out with Canadian semi-pro club Vaughan Azzurri before securing a move to the States with Nashville in 2020 after being selected 11th overall in the MLS SuperDraft.
Midfielder Malcolm followed in his older sibling’s footsteps when he signed a professional contract with Vancouver Whitecaps 2 in the MLS Reserve League in 2023.
The 25-year-old – who hold an EU and UK passport and qualifies to play for both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland – is now without a club after being released by Portland Timbers 2, where he has spent the last two years.
And after news of his release picked up some traction on social media, big brother Alistair, 27, says the midfielder would love the chance to have a crack at a team in Europe or in the UK – joking that a club based near Glasgow would be ideal.
He wrote on X: “(Malcolm) has an EU & UK passport and would love to play overseas… (the closer to Glasgow the better haha).
Malcolm Johnston in action for Maryland Terrapins back in 2022(Image: The Canadian Press/Riley Rumbley/Maryland Terrapins)
“Any clubs interested in him on a free transfer then reach out to Malcolm directly over instagram @Malcolmjohnston_ or our agent @Rem.Sports.”
Shortly before World Cup bound Alistair’s big move to Celtic in January 2023, Malcolm spoke of his pride at seeing his brother come through the MLS draft system.
“It was an unbelievable moment that I’ll never forget,” he recalled. “I’m just thankful that now my time has come and hopefully [Wednesday] my name is called and I’m able to follow in his footsteps.
“If I’m able to accomplish half as much as he did in his first few years, then I know I’ll have a very successful and long career in the game of soccer.”
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