The winger has impressed having been given his chance by boss Ally McCoist in recent weeks, and starred in the Gers' Scottish Communities League Cup win over Motherwell last week.
He has joined a number of Murray Park proteges in the Ibrox first team this season and Johnstone, who shot to fame as a 16-year-old four decades ago, reckons Aird can become a regular feature in McCoist's plans.
He said: "If you ever want to play for Rangers as a youngster, now is the chance.
"If you look at young Aird, it is great to see somebody with pace running at defenders.
"He reminds me of James Forrest. I think this young lad can do it as well, with a few games.
"That is what they will get, a few games because with the injuries Ally has, these kids will have to play.
"I am loathe to say he is going to be a star because that is too easy.
"Wait until the end of the season. If he has played 20 games and his consistency is there, then he is going to be a player. It is all there but he has got to do it consistently."
