The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Boss reveals reason for Millar call
The boss added: “When we talked back in April about him re-signing and initiating the clause in his contract I explained to him that he wouldn’t be first choice.
“He played European games but I’ve now got Davidson, Paton, Wotherspoon, Craig, Alston and young Kyle McClean so Chris won’t play as many games, as I explained to him.
“We made him available to clubs on a loan or permanent basis and we’ve been trying to get him a club and his agent has also been trying.
“He’s been a great servant to the club but I feel at this stage in his career he needs to be more than a squad player, which is why I’ve made the decision.
“This goes back to April when we talked about him leaving but I had to make sure he was getting his testimonial.
“He’s in his testimonial year and has played for the club for 10 years but I feel he’s at the stage, and I’m at the stage with what I’ve got available, that it’s best if he goes and plays football.”
Meanwhile, Wright revealed that Johnstone is a player he has tracked for some time.
“Denny is a season loan which suits everyone,” he said. “He goes straight into the squad for Celtic. If he hits the ground running we’ll sit down and look to sign him permanently.
“We have been looking for a striker and Denny became available. He’s someone I would have taken when he left Celtic but we couldn’t compete with Birmingham.
“He had a really good time at Morton and I know a lot about him. He’s someone that ticks a lot of boxes for us – he’s 22 and will improve the team.
“He’ll give us a bit more quality up top. I’m always conscious of what we have to spend and he’ll give us value for money as well.
“Look, we can’t go out and sign someone who scored 15 or 20 goals last season because the economics won’t allow it, but he’s a good enough player to score goals in this league.
“The important thing for me is that he knows the league.”
Hartlepool have expressed an interest in taking Keith Watson on loan.