Mikey Johnston once again proved that he’s just too good for youth level in the Glasgow Cup final win over Rangers.
The young Hoops overcame their Ibrox rivals 3-2 at Celtic Park last night. Celtic stormed into a first-half lead through goals from Jack Aitchison and a Johnston free-kick.
Rangers responded with two goals in the final 12 minutes through Glenn Middleton. His second was an absolute thunderbolt that deserves to be highlighted.
But Tommy McIntyre’s under-20s took the Glasgow Cup with a stunning last-minute volley from Robbie Deas. It was a sensational strike that deservedly retook the trophy from Rangers.
But one of the key lessons learned here was that Johnston is now just too good for this level.
Since returning to the reserve side this month, Johnston has been impressive every week. He’s scored and assisted several in the reserve league since returning too.
But against Rangers last night he stole the show. His footwork and pace constantly got him past the Rangers midfield and running at the defence. His final ball could perhaps be better at times, but he’s far too classy for the youth opposition in Scotland.
Rangers’ young talent just couldn’t deal with Johnston’s quick feet. That’s been the same for Motherwell and Ross County in recent weeks too. His return to the reserve squad has seen plenty of chances come and go for the Hoops.
Time to end his reserve team days permanently
He’ll round off the reserve campaign on Friday when Celtic face St Johnstone in their final league match. Afterward, it’s time to make a decision on him.
The young winger simply cannot spend next season locked in a 17-game league calendar with the reserves. Celtic either have to make a decision on allowing Johnston to go out and develop on loan, or give him more opportunities in the first-team.
Johnston has had his chance in the side this season on a consistent basis. He’s made 20 top-team appearances but has failed to make a big impact in those outings.
He’s at the stage now where he probably needs to make that step outside of Parkhead and develop elsewhere. Clubs in the Scottish Premiership would surely be delighted to get a talent like Johnston to their club for a year.
It would provide him with consistent game-time over a 38-game season, not including cup competitions. It’s exactly the next step necessary for Johnston.
Success stories like Callum McGregor, Ryan Christie, and Kristoffer Ajer all realised that the time was right to head out on loan in their early days at Parkhead. That time has now surely come for Johnston.
If Celtic want to keep him and feature him regularly next season then fine, but the youngster still has plenty of hard work ahead of him if he’s to make it here.
But the one thing that is certain is that he’s too classy for under-20 level. It’s time for that step-up.
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