Young Celtic winger Mikey Johnston made a successful return to the reserve side this afternoon against Ross County.
In what looked to be a tricky match in Dingwall, Celtic ran out 3-1 winners against the Staggies. The result moves Celtic joint-top of the SPFL Reserve League, with a game in hand over leaders Hibernian.
But in terms of the match itself, Johnston provided two positive assists in the match. Stephen Welsh and Karamoko Dembele were the beneficiaries, but Johnston looked on form.
He also apparently had several big openings throughout the contest, according to the official Celtic Academy Twitter feed. It was a first appearance to reserve team action since his first-team breakthrough this season.
This term, Johnston has made 20 appearances for the first-team. His most recent was in the 1-0 win at Dens Park against Dundee. Despite that, however, first-team chances have been limited since the turn of 2019.
Johnston has managed three goals for the Hoops, but he hasn’t earned the right to call the left-wing spot his own as of yet.
A positive day for Mikey
Today will have done him the world of good. Celtic still have three more matches left in their Reserve League campaign. Rangers, St Johnstone, and Motherwell are all still to come before the league closes up.
Considering how close the title-race is at reserve level this season, the Hoops second-string could use someone with the talent of Johnston to see it through. It would also give the Scotland under-21 international some game-time over the next few weeks.
The summer will prove to be an interesting period for Johnston too. Whether he stays to fight for his place or heads out on loan, he still surely has a big future at Parkhead.
Should a new manager also come into the club, it could be a huge chance for Johnston to impress. But there is still plenty to come in terms of the youngster’s development before he demands a consistent starting place.
Games such as today’s in Dingwall, however, could prove invaluable to him between now and the end of the season.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
