LOAN Bhoy Mikey Johnston took to the international stage to send a timely reminder to Ange Postecoglou.
The 23-year-old winger, who joined Vitoria Guimaraes on a season-long temporary transfer in the summer, became an instant hero when he made his debut for the Republic of Ireland last night.
Johnston, who recently switched his allegiance from Scotland after five Under-21 appearances, made an immediate impact when he came off the substitutes’ bench in the 3-2 friendly win over Latvia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
ON THE BALL…Mikey Johnston will be fighting for a place in Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic plans next season.
It was 2-2 in the 64th minute when the tricky raider, just on the pitch, smacked a shot off the post before Chiedozie Ogbene snapped up the rebound to ensure a dramatic victory for Stephen Kenny’s side ahead of their home Euro 2024 qualifying opener against World Cup runners-up France on Monday.
The 23-year-old Glaswegian came close to getting his first goal for his adopted nation six minutes from time, but a netbound effort was deflected to safety.
Johnston has scored three goals with three assists in his 22 appearances for his Portuguese team and is preparing for an assault on the Celtic first team when he returns in the summer.
The timing could be perfect if Liel Abada, as expected, leaves Parkhead in a £10million switch to England’s top flight in the summer.
Johnston will be able to join the likes of Filipe Jota, Daizen Maeda and Sead Haksabanovic to add an alternative on the flanks.
