Mikey Johnston’s injury blow has ruled him out of Scotland under-21 contention, and question marks can now be put forward regarding when he’ll be available for Celtic.
The Scotsman has reported that Johnston has dropped out of the under-21s, but the source hasn’t provided clarity on the nature of the injury.
Therefore, when he’ll be back fit for Celtic is anyone’s guess. It’s clearly a fresh blow, however. Johnston had previously been on the bench against Hibernian just under two weeks ago. Whether his international omission is down to the same reason as his Lazio one isn’t clear.
Regardless, it looks like we’ll have to do without him for now, and that opens up a real window of opportunity for several players. So just who could benefit?
1. Mohamed Elyounoussi
Sure, Mo has already cemented his place as first-choice down the left. But it’s fair to say that if Johnston had gotten himself up to speed, some would’ve been calling for his return to the side.
Elyounoussi currently has seven goals to his name this season. However, by the time Johnston is back, the Norwegian can perhaps put it beyond any doubt who the first choice is.
It gives Mo a boost ahead of Europa League fixtures against Rennes and Cluj as well as a double-header against Rangers. Unless Neil Lennon tinkers things for the European matches, Elyounoussi would be expected to start all four.
And if he adds to his fine performance and goal record in matches like those, he could shoot himself well beyond Johnston’s reach ahead of the winter break.
2. Scott Sinclair
Neil Lennon gave Scott Sinclair an injection of hope over the weekend. He told BBC Sportsound (10/11, pre-match) that he was willing to give the Englishman some opportunities next month. Here are the exact quotes:
“We’ve got nine games in December and I imagine Scott will figure the squad or even the team in some of those games. With Tom Rogic coming back into contention, Scotty has been squeezed out at the minute.”
An injury to Johnston could allow Sinclair the opportunity to peek his head in once again. Sections of the support have been disgruntled in recent times regarding his treatment. Johnston’s injury could give Lenny the perfect excuse to put Sinky back into matchday squads after recent anger from some fans.
From there, it would be all about impressing in whatever cameo appearances he was given. But it would be a much better situation than he’s currently in.
3. Lewis Morgan
Statistically, Lewis Morgan appears to be the most likely to benefit here.
His main rival, Sinclair, has played six times this season and not started one of them (Transfermarkt). Morgan, however, has managed over double that in a surprising stat. He’s featured 13 times this season, with as many as five of those appearances coming as a starter (Transfermarkt).
He was also given a vote of confidence ahead of Sinclair over the weekend too. It was Morgan who came on for a cameo in the 2-0 win over Motherwell at the weekend. Sinky, meanwhile, didn’t even make the matchday squad.
Morgan has a right to believe that he’s the official third-choice behind both Elyounoussi and Johnston. Should the latter be injured for any real period of time, expect to see a bit more of Lewis.
4. Greg Taylor
This one could be a bit of a stretch. However, this could, in a roundabout way, affect Greg Taylor’s chances over the next few weeks or so too.
Celtic’s most used substitute this season is Jonny Hayes. It’s no secret that Lenny trusts him, and having as many as 16 outings to his name this season shows we can count on him (Transfermarkt).
Recently, he’s been plying his trade as a left-back, but Hayes is naturally a left-winger. Putting all of that together, it could lead Lennon to push Hayes further forward as the natural replacement for Johnston.
In turn, that would leave only Taylor available to take advantage of Boli Bolingoli’s injury at left-back.
Then again, it could be the case that Lennon now sees Hayes as a left-back and a left-back only. He also hasn’t seen a need to push Hayes forward yet despite Johnston initially missing out over two months of action. But hopefully we see more of Taylor regardless.
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