Celtic scouts were at McDiarmid Park to see St Johnstone midfielder Ali McCann in action against Motherwell at the weekend, according to reports in Scotland. The 20-year-old played the full 90 minutes as the home side drew 1-1.

It appears that the Hoops have stepped up their interest in the player, having also watched him play for Northern Ireland during the most recent international break.

McCann was nominated for the Scottish Football Writers’ Association Young Player of the Year award, having scored four goals and provided two assists in 35 appearances for the Saints last campaign. He has followed that up this season with 14 appearances in all competitions so far.

It has been a rapid rise for the midfielder, who was loaned out to Stranraer only two years ago, and it will be interesting to see whether Celtic do follow up their interest with a bid.

The Hoops already have nine central midfield players in the senior squad and were McCann to arrive at Parkhead, it’s unlikely that he would be used in the first team straight away.