The month of December is huge for Celtic and Brendan Rodgers in the quest to continue dominating at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
By the time the New Year kicks in, things will become clearer at the top as Celtic, at the very least, could have an eight-point lead and there is no reason why it can’t happen.
If it does, then three points are needed against an in-form Hibernian side at Parkhead on Wednesday night.
John Hartson is backing Mikey Johnston and James Forrest to start, with the latter ‘on the right’ and the Republic of Ireland star on the other flank, as he told Go Radio.
Against St Johnstone last time put, James Forrest, who has only started one league game this season, came off the bench to kill off the match with a stoppage-time goal.
Whilst Mikey Johnston is yet to start a game under Brendan Rodgers, but as he proved in Perth over the weekend, he now deserves that shot.
And John Hartson has suggested that could be coming his way tonight.
Mikey Johnston and James Forrest to start for Celtic against Hibernian
“You think it will be Mikey Johnston on the left and James Forrest maybe on the right,” said Hartson
“Then McGregor and O’Riley sort of through the middle. Those two on either side of Kyogo.”
Mikey Johnston deserves his shot
The 24-year-old is at a crossroads in his career. He has had his injury issues, but he also isn’t getting into the first XI on a regular basis.
At his age, he needs to start playing as much as possible and some would argue that might have to come outside of Celtic colours.
But his performances from the bench in recent games, especially in the Champions League against Lazio, have been encouraging and impressive.
Whilst there is a lot of talk about Celtic needing to take the squad to the next level via the transfer market, those still within the four walls need to do everything they can to ensure their place isn’t taken and Johnston is certainly one of them.
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