Pre-season will begin in a few weeks at Celtic and Brendan Rodgers has decisions to make regarding who is set to form part of his squad for the coming season.
The Irishman is a meticulous worker who would’ve had his ear to the ground regarding loanees in 2023/24, and he made his appreciation known following Mikey Johnston’s exploits out at West Bromwich Albion.
Back in April, he stated: “I said it before, he’s one of the best talents to come out of the academy. He’s quick, he’s direct and he can score goals. For him to go there and get that award (Championship Player of the Month) – with some outstanding players in the Championship – it shows you how well he’s done.”
Registering seven goals and two assists in 20 appearances for the Baggies in half a campaign, Johnston is a revitalised presence on the pitch, though there is still plenty of speculation regarding his future reality at Celtic [Transfermarkt].
Mikey Johnston faces a crossroads at Celtic
Celtic fans will know that Johnston is a talented asset; nevertheless, his positive contributions in green and white have always come in flashes, with either injuries or competition for places preventing the Republic of Ireland international from nailing down a first-choice slot on either flank.
Rodgers more or less made this apparent in the first half of 2023/34 before the 25-year-old departed on loan, urging him to develop a larger sense of ‘robustness’ and mental strength to tackle the expectation of playing at Parkhead.
It is fair to say he delivered on the gauntlet set out while at West Brom, taking responsibility to drive his side forward, racking up 39 successful dribbles, creating 21 chances, and taking on 21 shots on league duty [Fotmob].
Playing with the shackles off, Johnston thrived in a competitive standard that may have suited his desire to commit defenders, as instead of regularly facing low-block defences, he was able to utilise space left in behind to do what he does best in the English second-tier.
He has also earned praise from the likes of Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman, who believes he was a ‘fantastic asset’ during his time at the Hawthorns.
Goodman stated [West Brom News]: “West Brom will want to progress and try to have a run at automatic promotion if possible. If that’s not possible, then their bare minimum ambition under the new owner will be the play-offs. Johnston has highlighted just what a fantastic asset he can be to any club at this level.”
Pre-season will be vital for Mikey Johnston
Celtic take on Ayr United and Queens Park before heading on their tour of the United States to face DC United, Manchester City and Chelsea in July, which may provide an ideal chance for Johnston to build confidence ahead of the new campaign.
Whether there is interest from south of the border this summer remains to be seen; however, he is still on the books for now, and until that changes, Rodgers will plan accordingly.
Should he be given an opportunity, despite their relatively low importance from a results perspective, these friendlies could define where his future lies at the club to some extent.
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