Mikey’s redemption arc?
Over four years ago a 20-year-old Mikey Johnston dazzled fans at Paradise as he scored a double against Hearts on Trophy Day, even managing to take the spotlight away from the first team debut of a 16-year-old Karamoko Dembele. A performance that was so impressive that fans left Celtic Park discussing Johnston, rather than the debut of a then worldwide sensation in young Dembele.
Injuries have been unkind to the now fully fledged Irish international in the years that have passed, which is putting it mildly, but he now possesses an opportunity to prove his doubters wrong and become a Celtic starter once again.
The year in review
Mikey Johnston began 2023 on a positive note, making his debut at senior international level after switching allegiances from Scotland to the Republic of Ireland.
The 24-year-old endured mixed success on loan at Vitoria de Guimaraes where he struggled to nail down a starting berth, featuring from the start 18 times out of all 35 matchday squads he was named in. Johnston finished the season having scored one goal and registered four assists in the league, a reasonable tally given his struggles to start every week and the quality of the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
This season
Returning to Celtic this season, there was serious doubts about Johnston’s future at the club, similar in many regards to Liam Scales. However, like Scales, a small bit of fortune in his position has opened the door for the Celtic academy graduate once again.
The Glaswegian has impressed in the cameos he has made this season, providing a spark that has been badly missing on the wings for Celtic. Johnston’s electric dribbling and quick turn of pace are traits not many players in world football possess, and such traits cannot be coached.
His output in the final third is where the Celtic academy graduate unfortunately falls down upon, a part of his game that will only get better with confidence and good coaching.
Harry Kewell had a significant influence on the increased attacking output and quality of Daizen Maeda last season, a similar effect on Mikey Johnston would do wonders for Celtic’s attack.
In his ninth season involved in the Celtic first team, it is most likely Johnston’s last chance to prove he deserves to be a Celtic player. He came on in the closing stages of the match against Hibs at Easter Road and looked likely without providing the necessary breakthrough.
Maybe tonight’s the night for Mikey
This evening Mikey looks set to start against Hibs at Celtic Park and it’s his chance to showcase his talent and prove that he can be an effective operator for Celtic on the wings. Brendan Rodgers revealed that both of his injured wingers – Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada are making good progress and will be back in the squad at some point this month.
Before their return Mikey has to win the manager’s trust and the Celtic support’s faith to complete his own personal redemption arc at Celtic for the same manager who gave him his Celtic debut.
Liam Scales proved that anything is possible at Celtic when given a chance. Mikey Johnston will probably have his chance tonight. He should grab it with both hands, otherwise he might struggle to get another opportunity.
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