New AFC Fylde keeper Max Johnstone aims to learn from Chris Neal ... and push him all the way

The towering 22-year-old earned a Mill Farm deal by impressing in training and in a 30-minute spell during Fylde’s opening pre-season friendly against Wigan Athletic on Tuesday.

Preston-born Johnstone spent last season north of the border with St Johnstone, having previously been on the books of Fleetwood Town, Manchester United and Sunderland.

He is the second keeper signed by the Coasters this summer, following the experienced former Fleetwood and Salford City shot-stopper Chris Neal.

Johnstone looks forward to making the step into senior football at Mill Farm and told the AFC Fylde website: “It’s a great opportunity to come in and play some games.

“Nealo (Chris Neal) is an experienced keeper and a great lad, so it will be great to learn from him but I want to be pushing him as well, while picking his brains to improve myself.

“I’m buzzing to be here. I started keeping a closer eye on the club a couple of years ago. Being a local lad I always look how teams around me are getting on. I remember watching the FA Trophy final on television, so I tried to find out more about the club. The set-up is great and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Fylde manager Jim Bentley added: “Max has trained with us for a couple of weeks now after his release from St Johnstone and has done well.

“He has football in his family, he’s a very determined character and is a local lad.

“He has a good background in the professional game and comes highly recommended, so we look forward to working with him further and helping him to developing his potential.”

Fylde, whose season is still three weeks away, play their second warm-up game away to Warrington Town tomorrow afternoon.