Celtic youths

Johnston ready to take his chance

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Image for Johnston ready to take his chance

Mikey Johnston knows that his Celtic career has barely started.

The teenager lit up Scott Brown’s Testimonial match with impressive play on the right wing but has his work cut out to make it as a hoops regular.

Since making his debut against St Johnstone 13 months ago Celtic have signed Jonny Hayes and Lewis Morgan while James Forrest has enjoyed the best season of his career.

Johnston has been at Celtic for a decade, watching and learning from players such as Aiden McGeady and Shunsuke Nakamura as his own dreams developed.

Next season will be critical to his development but it’s an opportunity that the bhoy from Stepps is ready to grasp with both hands.

Being a Celtic fan, I know everyone wants youth players to come through and do well,” he told the Daily Record.

So it has been great to play and I’m confident I’ll get a chance under the manager.

I’m confident in my own ability and everyone else at the club is too. So hopefully I can kick on next year.

It’s tough to get into the team but if you’re not up for that challenge, there’s no point being there.

It’s a great side who have won a double Treble and there are so many good players to learn from, especially the ones in my position like Scotty, Pat and James Forrest.

It’s difficult to get in but everyone is working hard to nail down a place.

Life has changed slightly for me because people start to notice you more. It can be strange when you go shopping and people stop to ask for a picture. It’s odd at first but you soon get your head around it.

But I know I’ve not done anything yet at Celtic. I’ve only played five games so it’s not as if I’ve made it.”

Johnston has all the ability in the world allied with the attitude and desire to succeed.

With a little luck he can live up to the expectations of the fans who compared him to Patrick Roberts after his performance against Ireland.

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