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Recent Celtic performance won’t help Mikey Johnstone in case for regular football

Lee Clarke

Tue 31 December 2019 17:15, UK

Celtic were beaten 2-1 by Rangers on Sunday as they lost an Old Firm-derby at home for the first time since 2010.

Goals from Ryan Kent and Nikola Katic saw Rangers prevail, with Odsonne Edouard’s goal proving nothing more than a consolation.

There were some disappointing performances from a Celtic perspective. Neil Lennon will have hoped for a lot more from his team, who are now embroiled in a real fight to retain their title.

One man who Celtic have high hopes for is Mikey Johnston. The 20-year-old has played 45 times for the Hoops since emerging from the club’s academy.

On Sunday he was something of a passenger though. He was handed the chance to prove himself and didn’t really impress Neil Lennon.

It was Johnston’s first start in the Premiership since a 2-0 win over Rangers in September. On the basis of this latest performance, he may have to wait a while longer for another opportunity.

He was utilised on the left-wing but after failing to make an impact was substituted in the 68th minute.

Johnston is clearly fancied at Celtic. Prior to the game against Rangers, he penned a new deal which will keep him at Parkhead until 2025.

Future

That doesn’t necessarily mean he is a player for the here and now, however.

At 20 there is still lots to learn for the youngster and his abject display on Sunday won’t have done him any favours.

A loan move could theoretically be beneficial for the winger. With wide options in short supply, however, he may be kept around.

Sunday will have been a steep learning curve for Johnston. Given his age, he will learn from his mistakes and he will look to come back stronger.

Following his performance, however, the rest of the current campaign could see him as more of a peripheral figure.