Jim McIntyre reckons Max Johnston has shown the hunger to progress his career with his spell at Cove Rangers.
Johnston spent last season on loan at Queen of the South from Motherwell and was sent out for a second stint this campaign with the Aberdeen club.
The teenage full-back has been a strong performer in recent weeks for Cove, setting up Gerry McDonagh’s goal against Hamilton and being a forward threat against Queen’s Park last week. His performances earned him a call-up to the Scotland under-21 squad for this week’s game with Iceland.
Johnston still trains with ‘Well during the week and said he hopes his form at Cove can help force him into the first-team picture at Fir Park.
‘Cove lucky to have Max Johnston’
His partnership with Luis Longstaff down the right has impressed the Cove boss and he sees Johnston’s potential growing.
“He’s getting stronger as games go on, which is no surprise when you’re coming into a new club,” said McIntyre.
“He’s developed a good understanding with Luis Longstaff since he’s had a run in the team and they’re linking up well together. He knows when to overlap or when to sit behind and back him up.
“He’s a great listener, is desperate to do well and is really hungry to show what he can do. We’re lucky to have him and we’re grateful to Motherwell for that.”
McIntyre had a similar experience early in his own career; he was loaned out by Bristol City to Exeter and got game-time under his belt, before opting to return to Scotland with Airdrieonians.
Johnston played 31 times for Queens in the 2021-22 season so already had some experience of Championship football.
‘It shows the hunger he has to progress’
“It shows the hunger he has to progress his career – he’s not happy to be at a Premiership club and not be playing,” added McIntyre.
“Going to Queen of the South last year give him a taste for it and having had that in my own career, when you come back to a bigger club you are just desperate to play.
“It doesn’t matter what anyone else says about being patient. You just want to be playing on a Saturday at 3pm.
“They (Motherwell) want him playing and gaining experience as well and hopefully he can get himself in their team.”
McIntyre is aware his form could lead Motherwell to recall him in January but there is a risk of that with all of Cove’s loan players.
“They are here for the season and that (being recalled) can happen with any of them,” he said.
“It’s not anything we can affect. We’ll get on with it until we’re told otherwise.”
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