Celtic have a plethora of talent out on loan that will hope to impress from afar before returning to Lennoxtown in the summer.
Mikey Johnston has become a curious case since his senior breakthrough in 2017, given that the Lennoxtown product has most of the requisite attributes desired to succeed at Parkhead.
Nevertheless, the Republic of Ireland international has never been able to put it all together for the Bhoys, evidenced by his tally of 13 goals and 12 assists in 92 appearances at Celtic [Transfermarkt].
Last term, the 24-year-old spent a productive loan spell out at Liga Portugal side Vitoria Guimaraes, where he was described as a “great player and an extraordinary professional” by their vice president Nuno Leite.
Now on loan at West Bromwich Albion, the Glasgow-born attacker has also earned praise from Baggies boss Carlos Corberan amid his excellent start at the Hawthorns Stadium.
Brendan Rodgers publicly challenged Johnston last year to brush up on some of the finer aspects of his game despite acknowledging his raw talent.
The former Liverpool manager stated in December 2023: “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.”
Mikey Johnston opens up what life is like at Celtic
In fairness, Johnston has scored twice in his opening five Sky Bet Championship games since moving to the West Midlands, making an instant impact for his new side [Sofascore].
His latest strike yesterday against Plymouth Argyle, something right out of the top drawer, has only furthered discourse surrounding his Celtic future among the Parkhead faithful.
In an honest conversation, he has shed light on what life is really like at his parent club amid the ‘pressure’ of being expected to win on a weekly basis.
Johnston stated [Cited via The Express and Star]: “The pressure at Celtic is massive. It’s a massive club and I don’t think people realise how big the pressure is. I’ve obviously been exposed to that from a young age. It’s definitely something I look forward to.”
He then added on his hopes for the rest of this season: “I need the pressure to perform and we want to make the play-offs, which are big occasions and that’s the kind of games I want to play in.
“I’ve had experience, and it’s put me in good stead to this point, and I feel like I’m ready. This is a massive challenge in a big league, a tough league and different to what I’ve experienced before. I feel like I’ve got the tools to deal with it.”
Despite his time at Parkhead throwing a fair share of complications in his way, it is nice to see Johnston enjoying his loan spell, which can only benefit the Hoops moving forward.
On one hand, we either introduce a rejuvenated player to our ranks in the summer or potentially generate market interest if he continues to thrive on an upward trajectory.
Whether he has a future at Parkhead or not, there are positives to take from the situation for all parties.
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