Mikey Johnston reveals Celtic refused to let him leave on loan

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Celtic winger Mikey Johnston has revealed that the club refused to let him leave on loan.

The youngster was the hero for the Hoops yesterday in their 2-1 win over Hearts. It was certainly a trophy day to remember for Johnston, with a terrific brace reminding the Celtic support of his qualities.

He now has five goals for the season, and has also racked up an impressive 22 appearances in green-and-white this term. Brendan Rodgers initially gave him chances to compete in Europe and in the Premiership. Since Neil Lennon has come in, that’s not changed either.

But Johnston revealed in the Daily Record that he’s been aware of talk of a loan move. And the reason it hasn’t happened? Celtic simply haven’t allowed it.

“People have talked about loan spells a couple of times – and it’s something the club have stopped me from doing.

“‘I just turn up every day and work hard in training. All I can do is try to show the gaffer what I can do and play my best any time I get a chance.

“A lot of people were saying stuff but you need to block it out and show a bit of confidence. It has been tough, it’s hard to block it out. But you have to bounce back and if you can do that it only makes you stronger.”

A different perspective on things

Celtic’s desire to keep him at the club puts Johnston’s future in a very different light. Talk of a loan move will no doubt pick up once more as he continues to show his potential in the Hoops first-team.

But do the Hoops potentially see Johnston as a replacement for Scott Sinclair? After all, Sinclair has been woefully off form for a long time now. He hasn’t ever hit the heights of his first season in Glasgow, and has become a real disappointment on a weekly basis. Cashing in on him this summer could be the best move Celtic make.

And it will be interesting to see if Johnston gets a chance regardless of Sinclair’s future. A move to another Premiership club for half a season or a full campaign would’ve been ideal. But, in saying that, if Celtic are willing to give him the opportunities he needs, then what’s the point?

Johnston can’t be defined by two games at Ibrox. Nobody performed well on either occasion in Govan. For a player who has so much potential, Celtic have to manage it correctly. They won’t be fooled by a couple of quiet displays against our nearest rivals.

Hopefully we do see more of the pacey little winger next year, if, of course, a loan move doesn’t transpire. It’s clear that Celtic have big plans for him in any case.