Unlucky Celtic Bhoy makes brilliant impact out on loan and earns new nickname

By John McGinley

October 16, 2022

While Celtic were expertly taking care of Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership, Mikey Johnston was quickly taking advantage of his first start out on loan in Portugal.

Johnston had made just three substitute appearances for Vitoria Guimaraes prior to yesterday’s cup start against lower league outfit Canelas 2010, but has played his way into contention for more football with a double on the day.

The two goals have even earned him a new nickname from the club – Mighty Mikey!

Johnston has had a desperately unlucky couple of years, with injuries really hampering his progress and transition into becoming a Celtic regular. Even when he has been fit, he’s struggled to get a run of games under his belt.

However, the club retain faith in his future, signing him for a new contract prior to his season-long loan switch to Portugal.

Ange Postecoglou is a noted admirer of the academy graduate, consistently talking up his ability when given the chance on media duties.

The Celtic boss said prior to Johnston’s exit: “I think with him there is definitely a talented footballer there, but sometimes you just need a different environment to help that happen.

“I just think for him and his career, some time away playing in a different environment, enjoying his football and bringing out all the potential we know he has might suit him.

“He has been unlucky with injuries, but the good thing is during this pre-season he has been great. He has not missed a session, and he has done everything.

“Part of my responsibility is to develop younger players or ones that have yet to establish themselves and the decision as to whether they get enough game time here or it is better to look elsewhere.”

With his scoring underway out on loan, hopefully this can be the start of a promising period for him. He’ll certainly be brimming with confidence now.

Vitoria are at home to old Celtic foes Boavista next week before hosting Famalicao. Sitting in ninth position in the league, they have plenty of work to do but remain in striking distance of European qualification positions, just two points from fifth.

The best of luck to Mikey and his team over the coming weeks prior to the World Cup break.

In other news, Confusion over report of alleged new Celtic appointment.