Brendan Rodgers recently opened up about a crucial conversation he had with Mikey Johnston when the winger expressed his desire to leave Celtic last summer. Subsequently, Johnston was permitted to go out on loan to West Brom in January, where he has been showcasing his skills in the English Championship.
Rodgers revealed that Johnston had been eager to make the move earlier, and he issued the 24-year-old a challenge before giving his approval for the loan stint. “I’ve always admired Mikey’s talent, but he needed a consistent run of games after battling injuries for some years,” Rodgers explained.
Initially, Rodgers advised Johnston to focus on training diligently to regain his fitness before considering a loan move. Following this guidance, Johnston made appearances for Celtic and eventually secured more playing time. His subsequent success at West Brom now highlights his well-known abilities.
Reflecting on Johnston’s progression, Rodgers expressed optimism for his future, hinting at further discussions in the upcoming summer. The challenge set by Rodgers has proven beneficial for Johnston, despite Celtic not reaping the benefits directly.
In football, such scenarios are a common occurrence—a player might excel at a different club while struggling to meet expectations at another. Johnston’s case exemplifies this notion, as he has thrived during loan spells while facing challenges back at Celtic. An illustration of this is his impactful time at Vitoria Guimaraes, where he significantly contributed to their European qualification.
Looking ahead, Johnston’s goal should be to continue impressing and secure a move that will enable him to establish a successful career elsewhere. While it appears that his prospects at Celtic are uncertain, his recent performances suggest a promising future for the talented winger beyond his current club.
