Mikey Johnston

Not a chance I think. He is made of chocolate.

 

He's not an out and out striker for me - more of a midfielder in my eyes - but hey if he can score for Ireland I'll take it!

 

Never heard about the Danish connection but certainly it never happened that is for sure. Getting at least in place proper internal structures and pathways to develop our best young talent is not all that arcane but Irish football and the FAI simply abdicated their responsibility to develop those structures and pathways as for decades they just said ahhh sure the English teams will do it when our lads go over there at 16. Totally short sighted and wrong as it meant even when that was happening to an extent we were still losing many players who could have made it but they failed as they were behind their counterparts technically and tactically when they went abroad because the FAI completely ignored their development within Ireland prior to them turning 16. Then when that pathway dried up as English teams flush with TV money from the turn of the century on were getting players from all over now and Irish players way behind technically and tactically were pushed down the pecking order and or discarded. Thus we ended up with the squad we have had over the past number of years bereft of any significant talent.

As I said there are some signs of progress with the starting of and growth of the national youth leagues and the building of academies at some of the LOI club. But reality is our facilities are dreadful and the academy system at LOI level still has a long way to go to be what it needs to be. But there is progress and a recognition finally that we need to put these structures in place.

 

No ill will against the lad, but there's not a * chance he will make it here.

 

We said the same of Tony Ralston.

 

Aye fair enough. I suppose the difference is Ange has had time with Mikey already, so even less likely he's gonna suddenly see huge potential in him. Tony was immediate improvement under Ange.

 

I'd wager that Tony is a rugged character and grabbed his opportunity when it came. MJ seems a bit more fragile to my eye, I think Ange has seen enough talent to put a fork in it and see how he does on loan in a different climate.

End of the day if Mikey comes back in the summer and does well in training, you give Ange his place in deciding whether or not he is worth a shot. Wait and see sort of situation.

 

Absolutely no chance.

Genuinely can't remember a player who continually picks the wrong option as often as he does. His decision making is actually worse than his fitness.

Reminds me of Gary Mackay-steven, a player that will end up at an Aberdeen like team and still struggle to be a starter

 

No end product. Ange has seen enough of Johnson to know he will never make it here.
If I am wrong on this, and I am not usually wrong, then I will revisit it.

 

Sadly I agree. I really thought 4/5 year ago he was going to be a James Forrest type. Actually regressed as a player from 19 onwards.

 

No matter how good he gets his body won't be able to do the pressing Ange demands. He would end up injured after 1-2 games sadly.

 

I thought he was going to do really well, and I think he was given a reasonable amount of chances. I'm sure he'd be solid enough for Hibs or Aberdeen but that's where he tops it for me.

 

If he doesn't make it with Celtic then good luck to the boy. Fair play for going to another country to try and make it. Definitely a talented individual but injuries have impacted on him massively.

 

When he first came into the team his end product was * immaculate as well. Injuries and lack of games took the confidence out of him majorly

 

Aye, injuries have * him over. I think he's better off looking for another club and in another country because he has ability and he could do without the scrutiny he'll receive here.

 

For me the issue is not his ability I think he is good enough its his ability to stay fit for any length of time which sadly up till now he has not shown he can do.

 

Straight on for Ireland, hits the post, which sets up the goal and then almost scores a great goal. Playing well the 'Irishman'

 

Been excellent since he's been on..

Can't even get capped though even though he was one of the best Scottish under 21 talents and caps and something different. Don't think Scotland barely have a winger that goes by his man..

Ryan Fraser the only one. Christie a converted, different type..

Mental really when you see the amount of duds like Hanlon and Andy Considine getting capped over the last couple year..

 

Mad really , especially when Mikey had a purple patch a few years ago.