Mikey Johnston

Forrest had been a regular starter since he was 17 by the time Rodgers came in.

By Johnston’s current age, Forrest would have numerous Champions League caps and have been a mainstay in title-winning Celtic sides.

There really is no comparison.

 

Forrest was constantly injured for his first few years in the first team squad much like Johnston. It was Deila who sorted him out from the injury point of view (not sure what age he was at that point).
Johnston's age is irrelevant. What matters is has he improved with a full year of football under his belt and is he ready to kick on and improve further. I think he will be given that opportunity as Rodgers will know how much potential is there. It probably is now time for him to sink or swim though.

 

You only need to look to Rogic to see how damaging injuries early in a players career can be and why when the talent is obviously there it sometimes pays to be patient.

Tom was same age as Mikey before he was able to put his injury behind him and make an impression with us (thanks to Ronnie)

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer...injury-run-is-behind-him-20150706-gi6diz.html

Absolutely no harm in giving the lad pre season with Brendan before deciding his future. Negligent not too imo.

 

He was still widely regarded as someone who was injured regularly though. Rodgers completely transformed Forrest’s career. He was outstanding under him. I really don’t see what the harm is in giving Johnston a final go with him in charge this time. If he can get a tune out of him and keep him fit it would be fantastic because he does have ability. If it doesn’t work out, move him on. Some people seem hellbent to see him fail though, which is just strange in all honesty.

 

He definitely deserves a pre season to show what he can do. We all know there is talent in there and he does count as homegrown, which could really help us this year. Especially with the likes of Welsh, Turnbull and McCarthy probably moving on and Forrest is completely passed it now.

 

"NOTHING TO LOSE" SAYS FAN OF TEAM DEFENDING THREE TROPHIES

 

I even remember him having problems with his back, sciatica? Or something that made him move closer to Lennoxtown from Prestwick years ago..

He was riddled with hamstring/muscle injuries as well around that time..

I know out the 2 who I'd rather persist with this season as an option off the bench. Fit and on form he was a player the manager rated..

I've always consistently said it wasn't about ability, it was his body and breaking down with injuries. I'm just still no sure if he'll hold out..

 

Aye it was sciatica mate.

Johnston has had a horrendous run of injuries. Last season he obviously stayed fit for most of the season as he did play a lot more games, which can only be a good thing. The biggest plus is that Forrest was finally able to stay injury free under Rodgers. That’s not a coincidence. Hopefully he gets the same reaction from Johnston. When he first come on the scene he was an exciting player. Could go past his man and was a goal threat as well. His confidence got shot to pieces under Lennon.

 

He’s done very well for Ireland in the four games he’s featured in - certainly worth BR having another look at him.

 

Don’t think his final ball is good enough. Seen him for Ireland he’s always been good at beating players and running with the ball but his end product leaves an awful lot to be desired

 

Neither is Maedas tbf, something for Rodgers to work on in pre season.

 

Maybe he deserve a chance, but if we get a bid in for him we should take it because it might be the last chance if he end up on a stretcher again which would not shock me.

 

Realistically though, what sort of bid would we get? It would be peanuts at this stage. I’d rather gamble and keep him than sell for a small fee. He has made it clear he wants to stay here, well now it’s time to show he deserves to be. He will know its last chance saloon for him.

 

If anyone even dares to suggest it there will be fisty cuffs

 

MJ7

 

Bonner said: "I think it (Rodgers' appointment) also gives a wee bit of light to a few of the ones that have been on the edge of the squad. I was talking to Mikey Johnston over in Ireland, he's probably come back - I don't know if he's moved on again.

"But he said 'oh I'm delighted Brendan's came in because he likes me', you know what I mean?

"So there might be one or two there now thinking they can resurrect themselves within the squad, you know, players who haven't quite been in the game. So that's an interesting one."

https://www.footballscotland.co.uk/...key-johnston-celtic-reaction-brendan-27284712

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