Soccer Football - International Friendly - Republic of Ireland v Latvia - Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland - March 22, 2023 Republic of Ireland's Chiedozie Ogbene celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne
It has been a long winding road but a month short of his 24th birthday Mikey Johnston made his full international debut.
The winger picked up eight caps for Scotland at u-21 level but never made the step up to the full international squad which was understandable given the battle that he had to get a regular game at club level.
Brendan Rodgers gave Johnston his first team debut in May 2017 alongside Tony Ralston, there were a few bursts of appearances, two years later the winger started the Scottish Cup Final against Hearts.
Other than James Forrest youth development has never been a strength of Neil Lennon, Johnston was in and out of favour before a serious injury in January 2020 that wasn’t viewed sympathetically by his boss.
So proud to make my @IrelandFootball debut with a win ?? pic.twitter.com/ukz9kcV1xa
— Michael Johnston (@mikeyjohnston10) March 22, 2023
The last couple of seasons have been difficult, match fitness has been elusive but last night’s 25 minute appearance against Latvia was a timely reminder of what Johnston is capable of.
Kicking on is the challenge. With doubts over the future of Liel Abada there could be an opening again at Celtic, Ange Postecoglou has set a high benchmark for wingers but on last night’s brief showing Johnston may be ready to grab any opportunity.
Yep, bad experiences at Celtic due to management issues re. Lawwell and Lennon certainly didn’t help Mikey, just when he probably needed it most. Almost lost to football even! He’s still a young man and can hopefully find his feet.
Think he has plenty to offer if he does. Nothing better than watching an on-form winger with talent!