MIKEY JOHNSTON made his first appearance for Celtic last night after missing FIFTEEN games following a knock in the 2-0 win at Ibrox on September 2.
The comeback Bhoy came on as a substitute in the thrilling Europa League Group E encounter against Rennes at a rocking Parkhead with the Hoops heading to top the section.
They were already two goals ahead following strikes from Lewis Morgan and Ryan Christie when Johnston was given the nod by boss Neil Lennon to replace Forrest in the 67th minute.
And the youngster, who had started the season in whirlwind fashion until being derailed in Govan, made up for lost time by scoring after only seven minutes on the pitch.
WELCOME BACK…Mikey Johnston slams the ball beyond Edouard Mendy for the third goal.
He played a delightful one-two with Olivier Ntcham, veered away from a defender and struck a precision shot low past the grasping Edouard Mendy into the far corner. It was a welcoming return to the winger and he stamped it was an exquisite finsihing.
Johnston, speaking to Celtic TV, admitted: “It has been a long, hard time off.
“To come back and get the goal will give me that confidence and belief again as it is very hard being injured.
“I am just delighted. I think this squad is special as the manager has said.
“We have been getting unbelievable results. Lazio are third in Serie A and we beat them home and away, so we have a lot of quality in the group and a lot to give.”
Johnston is certain to play a key role with Odsonne Edouard suffering from a niggly injury, according to Lennon, and a hectic nine-game schedule in December.
After last night’s cameo, the Scotland Under-21 international looks in the mood to play his role.
