JUST magic, Johnston! That was the salute from a 60,000 sell-out Parkhead yesterday as Celtic claimed a spectacular eighth successive title with a 2-1 triumph over Hearts.
Star of the show was 20-year-old winger Mikey Johnston who demoralised the Edinburgh outfit with goals at the start and end of the encounter that saw the champions bring down the curtain on another eventful Premiership with a nine-point advantage over the runners-up – coincidentally the same winning margin as last year.
Johnston lit up the east end of Glasgow with a sparkling performance which was capped by two excellent goals and the gifted youngster was thwarted of a well-deserved hat-trick in the fading moments when Hearts keeper Bobby Zlamal managed to block a close-range angled effort.
It was a good day in Paradise for the club’s young players such as Johnston, Anthony Ralston, Ewan Henderson and, of course, 16-year-old sensation Karamoko Dembele who made his Hoops debut as a second-half substitute for Oliver Burke.
It was partytime at Parkhead as Celtic made certain of a winning grand finale to the Premiership campaign.
An action replay against the same opponents in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden on Saturday will bring the club a phenomenal and unprecedented treble treble.
The Edinburgh side could be in trouble – especially from babes in the mood.
CQN’s ace snappers were there to capture the action on Flag Day. Here is the pick of the pics.
DANGER – BHOY AT WORK…Mikey Johnston prepares for his early strike.
WALLOP…Johnston lets fly and the ball is on its way into the net for the opening goal inside two minutes.
YOU BEAUTY…Mikey Johnston is congratulated by a jubilant Anthony Ralston.
SIZZLING SECONDS…Mikey Johnston ends a marvellous run with a thumping drive for No.2.
HAPPY DAZE…Mikey Johnston races off to accept the plaudits from the fans.
NOW YOU SEE IT…Karamoko Dembele prepares to bamboozle a spellbound opponent.
FOR MY NEXT TRICK…Dembele hammers in a left-foot drive that drew a good save from the keeper.
I’M IN CHARGE…Kristoffer Ajer takes control.
SHOVE OFF…midfielder Ewan Henderson surges beyond a Hearts opponent.
A STUDY IN CONCENTRATION…midfielder Ewan Henderson.
BEST FOOT FORWARD…Anthony Ralston brings the ball under control.
BY THE RIGHT…Olivier Ntcham blasts the ball goalwards.
BALL BHOY…Ewan Henderson shakes off the attentions of Connor Smith.
