Mikey Johnston earns Scotland call-up

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic winger Mikey Johnston has been called back up to the Scotland under-21s squad for their international against Greece next month.

The young winger hasn’t featured for Celtic since our win at Ibrox in early September. He went off as a substitute in that game and hasn’t made the matchday squad since in a run spanning 11 matches.

Last month he was included in Scot Gemmill’s squad for the games against Czech Republic and Lithuania but was forced to withdraw shortly afterwards due to an ongoing concern.

But now the 20-year-old will be given his chance to re-enter the international stage. Scotland host Greece at Tynecastle on November 15th in what is a battle of qualifying Group 4’s top two sides.

There was also a call-up for goalkeeper Ross Doohan (currently on loan at Ayr United) while Ewan Henderson dropped out of the squad after being included last time.

Scotland inclusion tells us that Johnston is fit

There has been a lot of speculation over the fitness of Johnston in recent weeks. His whole absence has been a little confusing because he didn’t seem to be in too much discomfort when taken off at Ibrox, but he has since gone on to miss two months of action.

Neil Lennon gave his latest update on the winger in mid-October saying: “He’s a bit frustrated as it’s been so slow, but it’s not going to be long-term.” (Scottish Sun)

Those comments would suggest that Johnston is nearing a Celtic return. However, the proof will be in the pudding over whether he starts featuring in matchday squads or not.

The youngster was very much our main man on the left-hand side in the early part of the season. He scored big goals in away qualifiers to Sarajevo and AIK and also netted a couple of goals at Celtic Park in domestic action.

When he returns he will find an altogether different picture with Mohamed Elyounoussi now very much Lennon’s favoured option. Jonny Hayes has also seen more game time while Johnston has been away so he’s vying against a couple of new players.

But that chat is all for another day. The vast Celtic support will just want to see Johnston in action as soon as possible. His Scotland call-up makes that more likely.