MIKEY JOHNSTON is on his way back to Celtic at the end of the season.
The 23-year-old winger joined Portuguese top-flight club Vitoria Guimaraes in the summer on a term-long loan.
Johnston has impressed during his stint, has claimed three goals in 13 appearances and has been hailed as “a great player” by the club’s supremo.
Nuno Leite, Vitoria’s vice-president, accepts his club will not be able to extend the former Scotland Under-21 international’s stay in Portugal.
HEADING HOME…Mikey Johnston will be back at Celtic in the summer when his loan expires.
Speaking to local media Desportivo de Guimaraes, Leite said: “We have to enjoy him until the end of the season. He is a great player, an extraordinary professional who helps the group.
“Unfortunately, Vitória will not be able to keep him.”
Johnston’s attitude was also praised by Leite and it appears the switch will prove beneficial to all parties.
The tricky touchline ace, who was handed his Hoops debut by Brendan Rodgers in May 2017, has revelled in game-time at the side and will head back to Parkhead refreshed following his break.
Johnston had slipped down the pecking order under Ange Postecoglou with wingers such as Liel Abada, Filipe Jota, Daizen Maeda and Sead Haksabanovic being introduced to Celtic by the Greek-Australian.
The forward is under contract at the champions until June 2026.
