Johnston scouts Brazilian talent
Reds Director of Soccer returns from trip
Johnston watched Botafogo take on Internacional and Nautico against Vasco De Gama during his time in Brazil. "I don't think it is wise to just see someone on one trip and make a decision that they are good enough for MLS. You need to take your time. I'm looking at younger players who are between 19 and 21. I went to look at four experienced players but I didn't think they were good enough for our team, but I saw younger talent that has a lot of potential for the future.
"I made contacts with a lot of people when I was there and I think it is important that we establish ourselves in that market," said Johnston. "It wasn't worth trying to rush things through for this season because by the time we got the visas sorted out it would have been almost the end of the season. In a couple of months time I will probably go to Sao Paulo and Rio, and then head to Argentina because we have a contact at Boca Juniors."
Johnston confirmed the club is looking to sign a designated player for next season, but said that wasn't the purpose of his trip. "I wasn't in Brazil looking for a designated player. We absolutely want a designated player for next year but I would ideally prefer him to be Canadian," he said.
