There’s been extensive discussion regarding the current player performances and the contrast between Brendan Rodgers’ and Ange Postecoglou’s management. However, one player at Celtic has consistently struggled to establish himself, regardless of the manager.
Mikey Johnston has faced severe criticism in recent months. Despite opportunities in the first team due to injuries, the 24-year-old has failed to sway the fans with his performances.
Introduced by Brendan Rodgers during his first tenure as Celtic manager, pundit Stephen McGinn believes Johnston’s form has regressed significantly since then. McGinn expressed on The Go Radio Football Show, “I think he’s played four games in a row at Celtic, and he seems to be getting worse. I don’t know if it’s confidence… It was time for Mikey Johnston in the summer probably to move on.”
I’ve previously stated that Johnston should be excluded from the Celtic team. In his last four games, he has not demonstrated the merit for a starting position, even with other players not at full fitness. Johnston’s eight-season tenure at Celtic, playing under four different managers, has seen him remain a bench player throughout.
Regrettably, it seems that his future lies elsewhere. Johnston could potentially thrive at teams like Aberdeen or Hearts, where he could secure a regular role without the pressure of winning titles consistently. However, it appears evident that it’s time for him to seek a new opportunity outside of Celtic.
