Andy Walker names Celtic player who ‘fans don’t rate highly’ amid Brendan Rodgers’ comments

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It has been a challenging few weeks for Celtic after indifferent performances, which was topped off by losing to Kilmarnock on Sunday. 

One man who Brendan Rodgers has been trying to push has been Mikey Johnston and backed it by handing him back-to-back starts.

It’s fair to say that there have been question marks over the 24-year-old, from fans and even Brendan Rodgers himself.

Some will argue, even now, he isn’t answering his critics and Andy Walker was certainly critical of the player and how ‘I don’t think the Celtic supporters rate him that highly’, as he told Go Radio. 

Mikey Johnston deserved his past few starts because he has been impressive from the bench.

But at his age now, it’s about becoming that certain starter, which he clearly isn’t and it’s not helped by Sunday’s result and performance.

Whilst the Republic of Ireland star has also had injury issues, he isn’t seemingly getting any sympathy with Andy Walker who isn’t convinced.

Mikey Johnston at Celtic

“You can hear the challenge there from Brendan Rodgers and he might rate him highly,” said Walker.

“But I have got to say, I don’t think the Celtic supporters rate him that highly. They want someone better. They want someone they can rely on.

“He has done well for the international team in the last couple of caps. So, he has shown that he is capable.

“But you won’t find many Celtic supporters saying ‘yeah, he is the one that will make the difference to this Celtic team’. You are now gearing yourself up for a January window that has to be really important for Celtic. I think they have to send a message to their own supporters that they want to be better and spend money on quality. Whatever position that is.”

Mikey Johnston is on thin ice at Celtic

When your manager is challenging you in public, you have to answer that call on the pitch and that isn’t happening.

With the January transfer window around the corner and talk of the team needing bulking up.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Celtic board back Rodgers and one area which improves is the wide areas.

Many parts of the pitch need looking at, but for those players to come in, some also need to go out.

Should Celtic part ways with Johnston in the winter? It’s best to probably keep him and give him the season to showcase his worth and then make a decision in the summer.