Max Johnston could ease Scotland’s Euros right-back crisis

Max Johnston will be in Steve Clarke’s considerations to alleviate Scotland’s right-back crisis at the Euros, says former Aberdeen and Rangers defender Richard Foster.

The 20-year-old defender celebrated winning the Austrian Bundesliga with Sturm Graz on Sunday to end Red Bull Salzburg’s decade-long dominance of the division.

Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson look increasingly unlikely to make the plane to Germany with significant injury troubles.

Foster – who worked with Johnston at Motherwell – believes the youngster’s physical attributes could help with the step up to senior international football.

“We’ve gone from a position of real strength in that area to coming up with a name to put in,” he said on BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast.

“I think his physical attributes are very impressive. I think physically he can go and compete at that level. Quick, strong, powerful.

“He came back to Motherwell and he transformed himself into a machine. He was brilliant – great pace, great energy, great change of direction and change of speed.

“Technically, he’s good enough, but I still think there’s more improvement from him . Of course there is, he’s relatively young.

“He plays for the 21s, he’s in and around it. Why not [take him to the Euros]? We’re taking 26 players.

“Steve Clarke will be aware of him, of course he will be, but he’ll also be considering him I would imagine.”