Gemmill: Johnston will stick with Scots

SCOT GEMMILL is confident Celtic youngster Michael Johnston will commit his international future to Scotland despite interest from the Republic of Ireland. The 18-year-old winger recently made his first-team debut for the Premiership champions before signing a new three-year contract at Parkhead. He is understood to have attracted the attention of the FAI, who hope he could follow in the footsteps of Scots-born Republic of Ireland players Aiden McGeady and James McCarthy. Johnston (below) would have been part of the Scotland Under-20 squad named yesterday for the prestigious Toulon Tournament, only for a groin injury to rule him out. And national youth team coach Gemmill harbours no fears about the youngster deciding to switch allegiance. ‘I understand it would be a big story if Ireland were looking at Michael, but I haven’t felt it necessary to speak to him about it,’ said Gemmill. ‘He came and played at Under-19 level and did really well. It’s quite clear if he had been fit he would have been coming with us (to Toulon). ‘The thing with Michael is he’s been involved in the Scotland set-up for a long time. I don’t think there’s any question he wants to play for Scotland.’ This is Scotland’s first appearance at the competition in 20 years. Gemmill’s side will face the Czech Republic, Brazil and Indonesia in the group stage, kicking off on May 31. He will be assisted in France by Peter Grant, with the ex-Celtic midfielder then taking up a similar coaching role for the Under-21 European Championship qualifiers.