Mikey Johnston

Something to bear in mind is that he's 3 years older than Yang and has had far more opportunities here. It's conceivable Yang could improve a fair amount (he'd need to) but I suspect what we're seeing with MJ is what we're getting. I can't see the next level for him at this stage. There are have always been flashes of inspiration but unfortunately also equally as frequent flashes of incompetence.

 

Thought he did alright, done the basics right if nothing else. Thought Rodgers should've subbed Palma for a rest and gave Mikey a run on the left.

Hope he's given a run of starts until Abada or Maeda are back but realistically he needs to have a big month.

 

I thought poor with no end product.

Tried to beat his man too many times, just cross the fuking ball.

 

Can start on Sunday, but he can't be risked on a long run of games because of his medical history. His career is not dead yet, though. He's fighting.

 

Would rater see Vata given a run, MJ is not going to get any better than what we saw last night.

 

I think he could still improve, he's spent a lot of his career injured so doesn't have the experience he should at 24, games will help. With a couple of goals/assists he'll hopefully gain confidence and settle down a bit. Whether he manages that or not is still up in the air.

 

He's simply not good enough. The fact some people think he's our best option is worrying as *.

 

Looks quite tricky when he approaches his man, then becomes clear he’s not very good.

 

I thought he did okay to be honest.

He kept it simple, which is what he needs to do right now. You could see he was dragging the Hibs players about and opening some space for others.

That’s much better than running directly towards goal with your head down then scuffing a shot wide.

I think if he can keep it simple his game will start to improve and then he can develop some other plays.

 

To be fair I think for many its more a case of seeing him as a better option than just Yang and Tilio given that Abada and Maeda are out injured.

 

He is not the answer and we know this. The fact we're even back having this conversation is depressing as *, and a shocking indictment of our recent transfers.

 

MJ was better than Yang but in all honesty we need better, if there is no improvement come the summer then they both need chasing out.

 

Speaking of whoppers, always good to see the ultimate Celtic fan.

Johnston is a dud. Yang might be a dud.

Hope that makes it simple for you x

 

Aye I certainly didn't think he was poor..

Maybe played well was over the top but he definitely caused them problems with his movement and running..

 

It's like putting a old movie on with Mikey Johnson hoping there will be a different ending and it never does .
Once meada and abada are fit I would punt and bring in a better quality winger.

 

Celtic "need more impact" from Mikey Johnston, said manager Brendan Rodgers after the winger made his first start of the season in the 4-1 win over Hibs.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/67645082

 

He's never really had much of a run in the team. Usually a few substitute appearances when coming back from injury then gets injured again. I think he would improve if he can make a few appearances in a row and gain confidence. He looks anxious as he knows everything he does is being closely scrutinised by the manager and the fans.

 

You mentioned in midweek that you were looking for more from Mikey Johnston. How do you strike that balance between putting an arm around him and telling him what you want or giving him some tough love and letting him develop on his own?

That is always the challenge of a coach. You are always trying to find many ways to do it, but of course, it is always best to be honest. Mikey knows that. The reason Mikey is still here now from the summer is because I rate him as a player. I could have easily put him out on loan in the summer having not played or featured so much last year. I know his talent and I want to try and do everything that I can possibly can to maximise that talent. He's made great strides in his training performance in terms of his consistency and being available. He's made an impact coming off the bench. I know how much he wants to play and start for Celtic. Whenever you get those opportunities, I know he was disappointed with himself the other night, but without forcing it, you are hoping that you can see the qualities that he has on a regular basis. He's a very, very talented player and one of the very best to come out of the academy here in terms of talent, individual quality, one-on-one, speed, and he's got stronger as well. He is not a baby anymore. He's 24 and if you want to play for a club like Celtic and in the starting line-up regularly then you have to have robustness. You need to be mentally strong. You have to be competitive and physically brave. All these things are part of being a player at Celtic as well as talent. I will always give every player the chance if I think they have that talent.

Is he an example of how playing for a club this size is not just about talent it is about the demands that are placed upon you?

It's the expectation. It's the difference at the very top clubs. The pressure is relentless. The expectation is there and you have to prepare yourself and that's why you have to give a special mention to those guys who can sustain it over long periods of time like Callum McGregor. His hunger has to be celebrated because of the length of time he has been here and how long he has been doing it and how hungry he is every single season and his availability for games. He defaults himself to his profession and not everyone can be like that because it's hard and it is tough every single day. That's what playing for a big club is about

 

Certainly would be worth stating him again IMHO on Sunday given obviously neither Abada or Maeda will be available yet. He didn't do anything great against Hibernian but equally he didn't do anything poorly and his positive impact off the bench recently I think deserves another start.

 

He’s the obvious choice right now, not for much longer but right now he starts.

Also a sneaky outside chance of Kyogo starting on the right with Oh in the middle