MAX CAN’T WAIT FOR FIRST DATE
Scots kid flying flag as he gears up for European debut
MAX JOHNSTON is looking to do scotland proud on the European stage tonight.
The Under-21 cap is in line to make his debut in Europe for Sturm Graz – and he can’t wait.
The Austrians entertain Slovan Bratislava in the first leg of their knockout stage clash in the Europa Conference League.
And right-back Johnston said: “I am looking forward to it. I haven’t been involved in Europe before so it will be something different.
“It will be our first game in the Conference League. We have watched a lot of clips on Slovan Bratislava.
“They are a strong team who have a lot of experience in European competition. We have to be ready for it.”
Sturm Graz initially went into the Champions League but dropped into the Europa League where they finished third in their group.
That earned them a Conference League parachute and Johnston insists they are ready to grasp the opportunity.
“There is excitement about the game because it is the first time Sturm Graz have been in the knockout stages in Europe for more than 20 years,” the former Motherwell player said. “It is 23 years so it’s been a long time coming.
“Hopefully, we can get the win because that would give us a bit of confidence going into another big game against Rapid Vienna at the weekend.”
The 20-year-old defender swapped Fir Park for Graz in the summer.
Johnston went in after pre-season and it took him time to adjust but he now feels good and ready to make a top-team impact.
He has come back from the winter break in top shape and was delighted to come off the bench and set-up Graz’s equaliser in the top of the table clash with Salzburg.
Johnston said: “It was brilliant. I came off the bench and to get my first assist in such a big game was massive.
“I have had to bide my time but when you get opportunities like these you want to make your mark and thankfully I did.
“We managed to get a draw so I was really happy. It has given me confidence.”
It has also helped that leftback Amadou Dante has joined Zurich on-loan.
That has seen right-back Jusuf Gazibegovic switch to the opposite side of the pitch, helping to open the door for Johnston.
He said: “Hopefully, it will give me the chance to get more minutes and to make more of an impact.
“The right-back can also play left-back and it is up to me to try and make the most of every opportunity I get. I now feel settled and up to speed.”
Sturm Graz were active in the January window, bringing in Mika Biereth from Arsenal after he was recalled from Motherwell while keeper Vitezslav Jaros also joined from Liverpool.
Johnston said: “Mika and Viteslav have come in and are young guys as well. So it has been good getting to know them.
“It is an exciting time for me. I have started German lessons too.”