Mikey Johnston reveals Joe Hart helped him make Celtic return from injury

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Mikey Johnston has hailed Joe Hart as one of the Celtic figures who has helped him on the road to recovery.

Johnston has made two recent impressive appearances off the bench for the Bhoys after making a comeback from a hamstring injury.

The muscle problem occurred after a previous lengthy absence for much of 2021. It’s only now he is really getting up to speed again.

It’s been a really difficult time for the Academy graduate, with the process taking a mental toll on him as well as a physical one.

However, dressing room figures such as Hart have apparently had a big influence on him, as he revealed to The Daily Record, stating: “It has definitely been the toughest period of my career.

“I had the full summer off, but I never took it off. I had the surgery, I was working right away, I was in the gym, seeing the physio and doing a lot of fitness work.

“Obviously, I played two games quickly and my hamstring went. It was a very low time for me. I had complications from my injuries and it can take a toll on you. It can be difficult due to the amount of spells I’ve had out.

“Mentally it can take a toll. But I’ve come back and I’ve got confidence from senior players like Joe Hart. They’ve helped me a lot. I’ve come back from long spells and I’ve still been doing alright. I’m starting to get a bit more belief in myself again.”

If we’re to take his performances against Ferencvaros and St Johnstone as evidence, then the winger can certainly play a big role for this Celtic team this season.

Ange Postecoglou is on the record stating his admiration for Johnston’s ability, so the winger is likely to get plenty of opportunities over the coming weeks and months if he can maintain his fitness.

With competition from players such as Jota and Liel Abada, he’ll have to stay sharp and ready for his chances. If he can continue to terrorise opposing defences off the bench, it won’t be long before he’s named in a starting eleven again, for the first time since January.

In other news, Celtic supporters pay tribute to Wim Jansen after dementia diagnosis.