Mikey Johnston has found it difficult at Celtic this season after his return from a productive loan in Portugal last term.
Finding himself injured during the summer months with a back issue, he missed vital sessions and friendly matches at the start of Brendan Rodgers’ second reign.
Although fit and healthy for quite a while now, he has barely featured since. The 24-year-old has made just a single substitute appearance to date in 2022/23, against Hibernian in a 0-0 draw at Easter Road.
Thankfully, he has had the chance to stay confident and find match sharpness during the international windows. Most recently, he was handed a big opportunity to start for the Republic of Ireland against New Zealand last night.
Despite no win on the board again for Stephen Kenny’s side, drawing 1-1, Johnston caught the eye of Irish supporters and media. There are promising signs for the player ahead of a busy schedule at Celtic.
Celtic winger Mikey Johnston impresses the Irish critics
Johnston played 79 minutes of the encounter and was a standout against the New Zealand visitors.
The Irish Independent gave him an 8/10 rating, the highest of anyone in a much-rotated Ireland team, stating: “Looked very bright in the opening stages and was Ireland’s brightest attacker, his eagerness to get on the ball and try things is at least encouraging even if end product can be lacking but needs minutes at club level.”
The Irish Sun concurred with that rating and stated: “Has quickly become a fan favourite with his dangerous runs and clever flicks. Always looks the man most likely to make something happen.”
Balls.ie meanwhile named him man of the match, declaring: “Johnston attempted to inject a bit of energy into Ireland’s play whenever he got on the ball, with his dribbling ability causing real problems for the New Zealand defence. He delivered some wonderful balls into the box, although he was unfortunate that few of them found Irish teammates. Ireland’s best player on the night.”
The Irish Mirror’s match report was written around Johnston’s performance where he was described as the faltering team’s “shining light” on the night. They reckon it’s clear he is “brimming with confidence” despite a lack of Celtic action.
With Celtic losing key players such as Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada to injury, Johnston could well find minutes over the next six weeks, so it’s pleasing to hear he is eager to impress and make an impact.
New Zealand are hardly a great international outfit but if Johnston can bring energy and intent back to Celtic training over the coming days and weeks, it can only enhance the options available to Rodgers.
In other news, Celtic Chief Financial Officer provides important new context on the club’s £72m bank balance.
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