Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has spoken extensively about the situation of winger Mikey Johnston today after criticising his performance against Hibernian on Wednesday night.
Rodgers praised Tomoki Iwata and Hyeongyu Oh for taking a big opportunity in the 4-1 win over Hibs but had criticism for fellow fringe player Johnston in the aftermath, following a lacklustre display.
Today, the Celtic boss made it very clear he is a big fan of Johnston’s raw talent but has insisted he has to be honest about what he sees in matches and that the winger still has work to do to be a reliable figure for the Scottish champions.
Brendan Rodgers on Mikey Johnston Celtic hopes
Speaking in a media conference at Lennoxtown, Rodgers said: “It’s best being honest. Mikey knows that. The reason Mikey is still here is because I rate him as a player.
“I could’ve easily put him out on loan in the summer having not featured so much last year. But I know his talent and I want to do everything I possibly can to maximise that talent.
“He’s made great strides in his training performance, just in terms of consistency and being available. He’s made an impact coming off the bench. But I know how much he wants to play for Celtic and start for Celtic. I know he was disappointed himself the other night.
“Without forcing it, you hope to see the qualities he has on a regular basis. He’s a very, very talented player – one of the best to come out of the academy here in terms of talent, individual quality, one vs ones, speed. He’s gotten stronger as well.
“But he’s not a baby anymore. He’s 24 and if you want to play at a club like Celtic in the starting line-up regularly, you have to have robustness and you have to be mentally strong. You have to be competitive and physically brave.
“All of these things are part of being a player at Celtic as well as the talent. I’ll always give every player the chance if I think they have that talent.”
Rodgers also shared on Sky Sports that he had a “good conversation” with Johnston today at Lennoxtown, apparently making it clear what is required if he wants to make it at the Bhoys.
The Republic of Ireland international has made just five appearances this season and a single start. But injuries and less than convincing form from Hyunjun Yang has opened up the door for more opportunities.
The manager is making it clear that it’s all on the winger to show he can step up and be a part of this Celtic squad. If he can’t, the player will likely be taking his talents elsewhere, by his own admission.
In other news, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers backs potential SPFL rule change.
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