AJ'S GREEN CROSS CODE

Wing king Steve lifts the lid on why Johnston can bend it like Beckham

- KEITH JACKSON

FORMER Celtic winger Steve Guppy has revealed how hours of lonely practice sessions during the Covid lockdown helped Alistair Johnston become Canada's answer to David Beckham.

Guppy played a key role in helping coach rookie college draft Johnston to his first-team debut in the MLS at Nashville FC.

And the Englishman - part of Martin O'Neill's revolution at the turn of the century - has told for the first time how the lessons he learned during three separate stints under the Irishman have fast-tracked Johnston's progress at Parkhead. Guppy, pictured below, said: "Crossing the ball is something I don't think people work on enough. Little details make all the difference.

"Many years ago, when I was at Wycome Wanderers, I was a non-league player.

"Martin O'Neill got the job and he obviously brought in John Robertson and Steve Walford.

"John Robertson was one of the greatest wingers we had ever seen in England and Scotland. Steve Walford was an excellent full-back in his own right as well.

"They helped me with my crossing and they gave me little details which were like lightbulb moments. Then it was down to me to practise.

"That's what I'm hoping happened with Alistair, where those little nuggets were passed on to him and I think it has made a difference.

"Too many players hit the first defender when they cross. And then don't actually think about the reasons why. That was something we tried to install in Alistair.