Mikey Johnston was bursting with pride after captaining Celtic

Add as preferred source on Google

Scott Brown says Mikey Johnston was bursting with pride after Celtic’s first pre-season outing. The Hoops thrashed lowly Austrian outfit SC Pinkafeld 6-1 on Wednesday and the night was very special for young winger Johnston.

The 20-year-old may only have played the second-half but he still grabbed two goals in the rout. However, it wasn’t the brace that pleased him most. It was the fact that he had pulled on the captain’s armband for the first time.

It says a lot about the age of the side Neil Lennon fielded after the break that Johnston was seen as one of the older heads. Johnston may only have made 13 competitive starts for the club but he should still take heart from the faith shown in him.

And usual Hoops captain Scott Brown revealed the winger had enjoyed his time.

Speaking to the official Celtic website Brown said: “The lads played very well, and it was great to see Leigh out there as well, he got 45 minutes in his legs.

“For me, Mikey Johnston, Ewan Henderson, those guys have been fantastic. Mikey came on, took the captain’s armband and has been chatting away to me, telling me how proud he was.

“It’s fantastic to see him wearing that and to see him score a couple of goals too.”

It’s a big season for Johnston

Brown’s enthusiasm will be shared by his manager and the vast majority of the Celtic support. There’s a real feeling that Johnston can kick on this year after an up and down 2018/2019 season. The Scotland youth international finished the season in style with a double on Trophy Day and a start in the Scottish Cup final.

He looked alert and dangerous against Pinkafeld and will hope that he can kick on from a good start. Celtic will come up against better opposition in the coming weeks but Johnston has shown the right attitude to be able to deal with the step up.

In Neil Lennon he has a manager who will back him to the hilt. The Northern Irishman has never been afraid to throw a youngster into the firing line. Just ask Liam Henderson or James Forrest. If Johnston keeps improving he will be given his chance. That must give him even more hope for optimism.