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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

‘Fingers crossed’: Max Johnston targets dream Scotland Euro 2024 call-up

Max Johnston knows his international dreams could become a reality with the Sturm Graz defender tipped to be included among Steve Clarke's latest Scotland squad. 

Scots boss, Clarke, names his provisional 28-man roster for Euro 2024 on Wednesday.

But with some big names already ruled out of the tournament through injury, there is an opportunity for others to stake their claim. 

Both Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson are confirmed absentees, which means Johnston, or Celtic's Anthony Ralston, could battle it out for the right-back position.

And the 20-year-old is keeping his fingers crossed that he's the man trusted to play that role when Scotland face Germany, Hungary and Switzerland next month. 

"I've got my fingers crossed," the full-back told Sky Sports.

"To represent my country at the Euros would be a huge dream of mine. We'll see when the squad comes out on Wednesday. That would just top off a great season. 

"We've got such a talented team and they've put so much work in the past year or 18 months, so they can go as far as they want [in the Euros] if they just go and show."

Johnston has transitioned from a standout season at Motherwell last year to becoming an Austrian Bundesliga champion over the weekend, having already secured the domestic cup against Rapid Vienna in early May.

And he admits that watching other talented Scots succeed abroad helped boost his confidence to step out of his comfort zone and move to the continent at a young age. Something he feels is already paying off. 

"I've really enjoyed coming over to Austria, it's been a different challenge," he explained.

"To do the double in my first season is amazing. I'd seen Scottish players move abroad - Lewis Ferguson, Aaron Hickey. They had some real success and that's what encouraged me to take the step."

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