Life at Celtic is difficult for any young player coming through the academy. The intense spotlight on performances can sometimes make or break a youngster’s career at Parkhead.
But for Mikey Johnston, it seems like he is drinking in the last chance saloon as he tries to break into Brendan Rodgers‘ Celtic team this season.
After the Celtic manager demanded more of Johnston this week, the £7k per week winger [SalarySport] opened before the loss to Kilmarnock and admitted that he is now under pressure to deliver after eight seasons in Paradise.
Johnston said [The Herald], “I have been here for a while and people are probably saying that I’ve been here for this long and maybe I’ve not proven that.
“But I think I have in spells. It’s very hard to win people over. The pressure is on me and I’m trying to unlock my potential the best I can.
“I went out on loan to a league in Portugal when I wanted to be here. I’m trying to take every step I can to fulfil my potential. It’s not as though I am not trying.”
The 24-year-old failed once again to produce a performance at Rugby Park after he didn’t turn up against Hibs on Wednesday night.
Called out by former Celtic hero Pat Bonner for yesterday’s display, it is clear that Rodgers’ words midweek failed to have the positive impact the Celtic manager thought they might have.
What now for Mikey Johnston at Celtic?
It looks to me as if time is rapidly running out for the Republic of Ireland international. With Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda now back in training, Johnston may well be one of the players that Rodgers is working on getting out of the club in January.
In eight seasons Johnston has struggled to nail down a position at Celtic that he can call his own. In eight seasons he has featured in six cup finals, winning them all, and won five league titles. Not bad for a player who has less than 100 appearances for Celtic. [Transfermarkt]
The Hoops winger has made just 86 appearances in total. He has played under three different managers (Rodgers twice) and is no closer to securing his place in the Celtic team.
Is Johnston one that will be moved on in January? With just 18 months left to go on his contract, I wouldn’t rule it out.
In other news, ‘Promising’… Pundit says Celtic have a player who is much better than Nat Phillips at defending
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