Just when you thought the end was near for Mikey Johnston at Celtic, he comes off the bench and nets a brace.
On paper, Celtic were absolutely dominating Dundee, but the scoreline only read 1-0 and, at that point, anything could have happened.
But with ten or so minutes left on the clock, Mikey Johnston was introduced into the action by Brendan Rodgers and he made sure of the points by bagging himself two goals.
Scott Brown feels the Celtic boss will now have a ‘sore head’ when trying to pick the team for Rangers because he feels Mikey Johnston has a chance of starting, as he told Sky Sports Football (26/12/23 at 5:10 pm).
It’s the biggest game of the season so far and some big calls are to be made in the middle of the park and in the wide areas.
You would argue that the rest of the team picks itself and hopefully Cameron Carter-Vickers comes through after going off on Boxing Day.
But Scott Brown certainly feels Mikey Johnston is in with a chance of starting because of the 24-year-old’s recent cameo.
Mikey Johnston’s brace
“It’s brilliant for Mikey to come on and show his quality as well,” said Brown.
“Getting two goals will do him the world of good and for his confidence. I am sure he has given Brendan a sore head for the game coming up.”
Mikey Johnston should remain on the bench
Look, it’s a confidence booster for Johnston and those two goals couldn’t have come at a better time for a player highly criticised.
But that doesn’t mean he should be named in the XI against Rangers because he still hasn’t earned that.
In previous starts, he has simply disappointed and has even found himself getting hooked at half-time.
Plus, he has proved time and time again that he is better off putting in strong performances from the bench.
So, more than likely, it will be Luis Palma and Daizen Maeda starting at the weekend.
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