CELTIC manager front-runner Wilfried Nancy previously hailed ‘knowledgeable’ Hoops fans because they praised his protégé Alistair Johnston.
The French boss is odds-on favourite to take charge in the Parkhead hotseat and succeed Brendan Rodgers.
Columbus Crew manager Nancy worked with Canadian international right back Johnston when he was in charge of CF Montreal for one full season.
He sold him to Celtic before shortly leaving the club himself to move to Columbus.
Johnston is currently sidelined after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury and isn’t expected to be back until next year.
And Nancy made clear he was delighted at the way Celtic fans took to Johnston after revealing he was very raw when he worked with him at Montreal.
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In an interview in Canada, he said: “I’m going to tell you a little anecdote, I was very proud of Alistair.
“Usually, I don’t look at the comments from fans after a game because it’s not important to me.
“But I have been reading what the Celtic fans said about Alistair.
“What made me most proud is that they said he was very calm, very tidy, and very composed with the ball. Very knowledgeable comments.
“I showed it to my assistant manager Kwame Ampadu and we were both delighted and thrilled.
“You see, the thing with Alistair was that when he arrived in Montreal, he wasn’t like that at all!
“The staff and I did a lot of work with him and he’s clearly a far better player now.
“So I was super proud for Alistair.
“I do this job to see my players succeed. We contributed with the staff to this player’s growth. It is a pleasure to see him have this experience at his club.
“I told Alistair, if he adapted my method of being calm in possession, he would be able to play in any club and with any manager.
“If that manager wants him to play direct, he can do that. If he wants to play a little shorter in terms of passing, he will be able to do that too.
“So yes, I certainly have followed his career in Scotland.
“That’s why I do this job. I don’t expect recognition from the players, but inside I am happy.”
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