Amidst the ongoing season, Celtic’s winger Mikey Johnston has found himself under the spotlight as he endeavors to establish his presence under the management of Brendan Rodgers. However, the response from Celtic fans regarding Johnston’s performances hasn’t been particularly positive or encouraging, creating a challenging environment for the player to prove his worth.

Former Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny, who recently departed from his international post, has stepped forward to defend Mikey Johnston. Kenny emphasized the need for people to appreciate Johnston’s contributions, describing him as a “unique talent” despite facing a certain level of criticism at Celtic. Known for his ability to electrify the crowd when in possession of the ball, Johnston’s performances have stirred mixed reactions, especially when starting matches and grappling with challenges related to defensive responsibilities.

Speaking in support of Johnston, Kenny stated, “People need to appreciate Mikey. He has come through the academy at Celtic to play for the first team, which isn’t easy. For whatever reason, he’s had a level of criticism at Celtic but he’s a unique talent. The Irish public loves him and I think he’ll go on to become an outstanding winger. He’s capable of brilliant things.”

Highlighting the impact of criticism on skillful players, Kenny acknowledged that players like Johnston often thrive on the warmth of the crowd and find it challenging to deal with harsh criticisms. Despite the challenges, Kenny remains optimistic about Johnston’s potential, citing his love for Celtic and his dedication to realizing his dream of playing for the club.

As the season unfolds, Mikey Johnston faces a critical juncture in his career. Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda, and summer signing Luis Palma currently outshine Johnston as potential choices for the wide positions at Celtic. Additionally, the impending arrival of Nicolas Kuhn as a new signing adds to the competition, potentially reducing Johnston’s game time when it should ideally be reaching peak numbers.

Johnston, at 24 years old, finds himself at a crossroads, navigating a challenging landscape where competition for playing time is fierce. His ability to respond to criticism, improve his performances, and secure a significant role in the squad will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of his career at Celtic in the coming months.