Report: Postecoglou set to sanction loan spell for Celtic fringe star Mikey Johnston

By Lewis Laird

July 27, 2022

Celtic winger and academy graduate Mikey Johnston is reportedly set to head out on loan this summer.

The 23-year-old first broke into the side under former boss Brendan Rodgers in 2017, and big things were expected for the talented youngster after a bright start.

However, since his breakthrough, it has been very stop-start for the wide player due to frustrating injury issues across several different managers.

While supporters hoped that a fresh start under Ange Postecoglou would be ideal for Johnston, he continued to suffer from injury issues during the 56-year-old’s first pre-season in the dugout.

On his return to action, the winger has also failed to break into the side ahead of new signings such as Jota, Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada.

Despite not receiving regular game time, Johnston is still thought to be highly rated by those at Parkhead, but he faces tough competition to break into the side.

According to a report from Sun Sport, Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou will now sanction a loan deal to allow the winger to head out on a temporary spell to earn regular minutes this season.

And there is expected to be plenty of interest in Johnston, with clubs from across the UK in Scotland and England looking to bring him in on a short-term deal.

Several clubs from Europe are also thought to be interested, including Belgian side Standard Liege, who are currently managed by former Celtic manager Ronny Deila.

Loan move the best option for Johnston to kick-start Celtic career.

It has certainly been a frustrating few seasons for Johnston, who can’t really seem to catch much of a break.

Whenever the winger picked up some momentum in recent seasons, another injury knock seemed to take him back a few steps.

There is clearly talent in Johnston, and Ange Postecoglou recognises there is something in the Lennoxtown academy graduate.

A temporary spell out on loan this season gives Johnston a good opportunity to go earn regular minutes and build up his confidence.

The former Scotland youth internationalist also has plenty of options to choose from when it comes to his destination for this season. So, it will be intriguing to see whether he decides to remain in the UK or take the chance on a spell abroad.

Either way, I am sure Celtic supporters and staff at the club will be watching his loan spell closely in the hope that we can see a rejuvenated Mikey Johnston return to Parkhead next summer.

In other news, Daizen Maeda teases that a new trademark Celtic goal celebration is coming soon.