Sky Sports Scotland caught up with Celtic’s Callum McGregor and Mikey Johnston after the game today against St Johnstone, in what was a dramatic comeback after a terrible start to the match for the Scottish Champions. The Saints went 1-0 up through a comedy of errors yet again at the backline from the Hoops and was a carbon copy of the goal conceded at Celtic Park last week against Motherwell.
It was a shocking first period this afternoon from captain, McGregor, and his fellow teammates. The solpiness into their play invited a poor St Johnstone side onto them and they grew in confidence from a lacklustre performance from the away side. They recovered in the second-half and equalised through Cal Mac who scored a wonderful half-volley which left Mitov with no chance.
After that, the team looked more like themselves and the confidence and momentum shifted to the Bhoys with the help of a tricky Mikey Johnston, who replaced Yang Hyun-jun at the interval. McGregor acknowledged that it was unacceptable from the team in the opening half, saying: “We didn’t do ourselves justice at all in the first-half and quite rightly so, the manager gave us our character and that was absolutely spot on. He asked us for a reaction in the second-half and I thought the reaction was excellent.
“We played at a much better tempo, more like ourselves, score three really good goals and Joe (Hart) makes a massive save as well at 2-1 and then we go finish the game off. So definitely a game of two halves but second-half really good reaction. I thought we started the second-half off very well, just probing and trying to get that opportunity but once the goal comes, the place get a lift and the players just start to free up and play with a bit more aggression. So it was an important goal but the other two goals were too.”
Johnston, who was the bright spark that kicked the team into action this afternoon in Perth, said: “My chances have been limited, when I do get one I have to make an impact, show that I deserve to be playing. We needed a spark after starting slow. I just wanted to make an impact and help the team.” The Irishman was the catalyst today and although he didn’t win the Man of the Match award, his captain jokingly acknowledged his contribution to the game and team, saying as he left the interview: “I’ll be giving you this back in there don’t worry.”
“I thought the reaction was excellent” 🙌
Callum McGregor and Mikey Johnston react after Celtic came back to beat St Johnstone 3-1 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/zhhVoGrVXk
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) December 3, 2023
