Austrian title winner Max Johnston believes Scotland can tap into the feelgood factor generated by the fact eight members of the squad have lifted silverware with their clubs in recent weeks.
The 21-year-old right-back was part of Sturm Graz’s Championship-winning side, while Napoli pair Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour, Liverpool’s Andy Robertson and Celtic’s Anthony Ralston have also met up with the national team for the friendlies against Iceland and Liechtenstein fresh from top-flight glory.
In addition, Lewis Ferguson captained Bologna to their Coppa Italia triumph, Josh Doig helped Sassuolo to the Serie B title and Grant Hanley won League One with Birmingham.
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“It’s amazing to see how many trophies in so many different countries that the boys have won,” said Johnston.
“It’s amazing to see Scottish players doing so well abroad and it’s really encouraging for us that players are starting to win titles now and win cups, so I think that’s going to be huge for us.
“As a footballer you want to be a winner, so it’s great to see. That’ll definitely help us.”
Johnston, who moved from Motherwell to Austria two years ago, also appeared in the Champions League as he made 30 appearances for Sturm Graz in the season just finished. The campaign before that, he played 27 times as his side won the league and cup double.
Johnston is thrilled with the way his move from Motherwell to the Austrian Bundesliga two years ago has panned out so far.
“It was really enjoyable for me winning the league over in Austria, it was a good season,” he said. “I feel like I’ve improved definitely by getting the amount of minutes that I’ve managed to get over the last year or so.
“As a footballer you need to play to continue to learn, so I feel as though I’ve been learning and improving every week.
“The Austrian league is a great league for young players. They really try and push the younger generation and give you an opportunity to play. I’ve really enjoyed the experience on and off the pitch.”
Johnston’s progress at club level was rewarded when he made his Scotland debut as a late substitute in the Nations League play-off win away to Greece in March, and he now intends to push for more regular involvement with the national team.
“I’ve got a small taste for it now and it’s just made me hungry for more,” he said. “I want to try and bring what I can to the squad. I like to get forward from my position and create attacking chances, so hopefully that’s what I can do for the squad.”
Johnston is inspired by his father Allan, a former Hearts, Sunderland, Rangers, Middlesbrough and Kilmarnock winger who won 18 Scotland caps between 1998 and 2002.
“I’m so lucky to have grown up with someone who was involved in the game and he’s been a huge help to me, him and my mum as well,” said Johnston. “Obviously, they’ve been coming over to Austria and helping me out over there as well, so I’m very lucky for that.”
