Derby County will be wary of Steve Clarke decision - John Eustace will pray disaster doesn't strike | OneFootball

Derby County right back Max Johnston has been called up to the Scotland national team after Andy Robertson injury blow - John Eustace will be worried

Derby County's Max Johnston has been called up to the Scotland national team after Liverpool's Andy Robertson suffered an injury blow - and it may have John Eustace somewhat concerned.

Max Johnston joined the Rams late on in the summer transfer window after enjoying two successful years with Austrian side Sturm Graz following his move from Motherwell in his native Scotland.

The 21-year-old made 65 appearances for his former club where he scored twice and provided eight assists across all competitions. Before making the move to the midlands, the young Scot was a regular fixture for the Sturm Graz in their UEFA Champions League campaign last season, and also played a major role in helping the club win back-to-back Austrian league titles, as well as an Austrian cup.

With an international break upon us, the Scotland international, who was originally left out of Steve Clarke's side, has now been called up for his national team after growing injury concerns over the well-renowned Liverpool defender Andy Robertson, following his knock against Chelsea at the weekend.

Scotland face tough upcoming tests against Greece and Belarus this week, in which Derby boss John Eustace will be hoping for no dramas for his 90-minute-man Johnston.

John Eustace will be wary of Max Johnston's Scotland call-up

After it being left late for the 21-year-old full-back to find out that he may be representing his country this week, Eustace will for sure be watching closely and pray that an injury doesn't come the way of his reliable defender.

Since joining the Rams, Johnston has certainly made his mark and cemented his role in the starting XI by playing a full 90 minutes in five of his six appearances so far for his new club.

With consistently solid performances, he has quickly become Eustace's first-choice right-back after the manager highlighted that it was an area he wanted to strengthen, having lost Kane Wilson to MK Dons earlier this summer.

At the beginning of the season, prior to Johnston's arrival, it was Ryan Nyambe that filled the void left by Wilson. However, the Nambian international was quickly replaced by the youngster, which emphasised Eustace's trust in him to hit the ground running, which he certainly has done.

After expecting not to play a role for Scotland this international break, Eustace as well as Derby County supporters, will for sure be keeping a close eye on whether their new signing is given any game-time by Clarke, and if so, pray that he remains fully fit for their next clash away to Oxford United.

Max Johnston can prove himself on the international stage

Despite his call-up to the national team potentially coming as a concern for Eustace, it is the perfect opportunity for Johnston to gain further experience merely being 21 years of age, and also to introduce himself on the world stage.

Johnston has already earned himself four international caps and featured in the last international break, where he played 20 minutes in their draw against Denmark, before starting in their 0-2 win versus Belarus.

On a personal note, the young right-back will hope to earn yet another cap for his country and become a regular name in Clarke's squad list going forward.

With Derby sitting just outside the dropzone, nervously flirting with the relegation places with nine games played of the season, Johnston's presence in the back four has not gone unnoticed, and a disruption to this due to injury could upset the balance of Eustace's defence.