Celtic youngster Ewan Henderson may have missed out on the Academy award at last night’s Player of the Year bash, but he shouldn’t feel aggrieved by it.
The only real bracket Henderson was capable of receiving was the Academy Player of the Year title. Unfortunately for him, that went to Mikey Johnston.
Celtic fans haven’t seen much of Johnston in recent times. He did start the recent 1-0 win over Dundee at Dens Park, but other than that he’s rarely been seen on the pitch.
Despite that, nobody can argue with his award. Johnston managed to gather 20 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops this season. Nobody from the academy can touch those stats in truth. Johnston has also managed to notch three goals for Celtic throughout the campaign also.
Henderson, however, has had a very promising campaign himself. He’s flirted with first-team action back in February and March, making five first-team appearances and notching two assists. He played a part in the opening goal of Neil Lennon’s tenure too, and he’s certainly made an impression.
Back to the reserves for a title fight
In recent times, both men have gone back down to reserve level. The reserve league is reaching its climax, and both have been involved in the title-race between themselves, Rangers, and Hibernian respectively.
But Johnston was once again back on the teamsheet for Saturday’s visit of Kilmarnock. He may have been an unused substitute, but the winger continues to be in first-team contention.
And looking through the youth ranks, nobody could touch him for the award this season. He may not have blown everyone away in all of his outings, but Johnston continues to show real promise.
Henderson, you would hope, could make that same impact next season if he was to get his opportunity. It also remains to be seen whether both of these youngsters head out on loan or stay at the club this summer. But, looking at the impact the likes of Callum McGregor, Kristoffer Ajer, and Ryan Christie have had away on loan, it could be worth looking into.
Henderson has been the most recent academy graduate to come in and impress. But Johnston has racked up that many outings for the first-team that it proved the Academy’s Player of the Year award was always going to him.
The one thing both men can share, however, is that they have massive futures ahead of them.
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