SCOT GEMMILL is convinced Celtic prospect Michael Johnston will ignore Ireland’s advances and pledge his international future to the Scots, writes Mark Walker.

Scotland named their squad for the Toulon Tournament yesterday, with the young Scots competing after a 20-year absence. But the spotlight was on a youngster who wasn’t named due to a groin injury.

Johnston, 18, was handed his Celtic debut against St Johnstone earlier this month and has signed a three-year deal with the champions. But it was revealed that Republic of Ireland have also made a move to try and get the midfielder to play for them.

The Scots lost out on Aiden McGeady and James McCarthy to Ireland despite both being born in Scotland, but Johnston played for Scotland Under 19s in the Elite Round in Czech Republic in March.

Gemmill is convinced there’s no doubt Johnston (inset) will chose Scotland. He said: “I haven’t felt it necessary to speak to him. He played at Under 19s level and did really well in the games and it’s clear if he had been fit he would have been coming with us.

“He has had a really strong season and forced his way into the reckoning with his manager which he deserves real credit for. 

“He will be disappointed not to be coming to Toulon. Michael has been involved in the Scotland set-up for a long time. I can remember Mikey travelling with the Under-15s to Switzerland. I don’t think there’s any question he wants to play for Scotland.”

Meanwhile, Gemmill is looking forward to working with Peter Grant, who was appointed as Under-21s No.2 this week.

He added: “Peter ticks a lot of boxes in terms of the level he’s worked at with young elite players. He’s also developed himself to a point where he’s worked with a lot of top managers. 

“Peter can come in and help progress our young players and help them play for Scotland.”