The World Cup is football’s ultimate shop window.
For clubs like Celtic, that brings both excitement and concern.
Eight Hoops players are currently representing their countries on the biggest stage of them all, showcasing their talents in front of millions of viewers around the globe.
And they are not just being watched by supporters. Scouts from clubs across Europe are also paying close attention.
Celtic themselves have representatives at the tournament, with reports suggesting the club have been monitoring Bosnian midfielder Ivan Basic among others.
But while Celtic are busy scouting potential signings, there is also the possibility of other clubs casting admiring glances towards some of Martin O’Neill’s stars.
One name that has begun to emerge in transfer speculation is Alistair Johnston.
The Canadian international has impressed once again on the world stage and rumours have linked Premier League side Fulham with an interest in the right-back.
After finishing 11th in the Premier League last season, Fulham are reportedly looking at ways to strengthen their squad and Johnston’s performances have certainly not gone unnoticed.
For many Celtic supporters, however, the thought of losing him is not one they want to entertain.
Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie certainly falls into that category.
Speaking on his podcast Let Me Be Frank, he made it clear there is one player he believes Celtic simply cannot afford to lose this summer.
“That’s the one guy I don’t want to move.
“With Martin, Fozzy and Shaun, he’s the one that changed it when he came back.
“He was the big one.”
It’s a view that many supporters will share.
Johnston’s injury problems last season highlighted just how important he has become to the side.
His return brought that drive forward, and the quality on the pitch went up a level, joining a defence that looked far more settled with him in it.
Beyond his performances, there is also the wider context. Celtic are already braced for significant change.
Daizen Maeda continues to attract interest, Arne Engels is being linked with clubs across Europe and Reo Hatate’s future remains uncertain.
At some point, Martin O’Neill needs players to build around rather than replace.
The right-back is currently enhancing his reputation at the World Cup and that may inevitably lead to interest from elsewhere.
The challenge for Celtic will be resisting it.
Because while sales may be unavoidable this summer, there are some players whose departure would create more problems than the transfer fee would solve.
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