If there ever was an explanation as to why a Celtic player is continually being picked to play ahead of a transfer window then this is it.
Over the past few weeks, the Celtic fans have looked at Brendan Rodgers‘ team selections at times with a sense of bewilderment.
Earlier today I explained on TBR Celtic why I think the manager will pick Paolo Bernardo ahead of Tomoki Iwata tonight in my Predicted XI.
But John Hartson has floated another reason why Brendan Rodgers is still persisting with the likes of Mikey Johnston recently.
Many people think that it’s because of the injuries to Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda that Johnston is getting a start.
Not for Hartson though. The former Celtic hero has another reason and it does seem to make sense.
Hartson said [The Go Radio Football Show], “I just think the likes of Mikey Johnston, one of the reasons why he’s had a little run in the team is because he wants to put him in the shop window.”
It’s a fair assessment of a player who has been at Celtic for eight seasons but is yet to make a mark of note on the first team.
Johnston himself has admitted that he feels under pressure to deliver and so he should. He is in danger of being labelled as a bench player.
Because that seems to be the time he only makes an impact. Coming on at around the 60-minute mark and looking to beat players who are tiring, that seems to be his forte.
In the last two games Johnston has started, he has failed to take his chance. If he gets started tonight then I fear it could be his last opportunity if he doesn’t produce the goods again.
In other news, Alan Brazil hits back after what he’s heard being said by TalkSPORT pundit about Celtic
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