(Photo by Roddy Scott / SNS Group via Getty Images)
Callum Booth believes St Johnstone will find it difficult to keep midfielder Ali McCann at McDiarmid Park, amid Celtic and English Football League interest.
The Northern Irish international was excellent for the Scottish Premiership club in a Europa League third round qualifier with Galatasaray this month. His exploits in a historic League Cup and Scottish Cup-winning season in Perth last term has resulted in Celtic scouting him on a couple of occasions. Championship clubs down south are also keen.
Celtic have scouted McCann. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
Left-back Booth says it’ll be a tough ask to retain him: “Ali was unbelievable over the two legs. He’s got another two years on his contract so hopefully we can keep a hold of him, but it’s going to be tricky. Against some top, top players he’s been right in their faces, good on the ball and just produced all-round great performances.
“He’s a great player and a great guy. He’s the best young player I’ve played with.”
LASK of Austria await St Johnstone in the Europa Conference League play-offs. Booth added: “To go out 5-3 to a club of Galatasaray’s stature will show them we have something about us. It’s going to be just as difficult over in Austria.
“Although they are not a well-known name like Galatasaray are, they’re top of their league and have been in the Europa League for the last few years. They will be a very strong team so it’s going to be another really difficult one.”
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