Celtic’s Mikey Johnston continued his impressive performances for Ireland as he was named Man of the Match in their draw against New Zealand in Dublin. The attacker played 79 minutes before being replaced by Andrew Moran.
This evening’s @carlsberg Player of the Match is @mikeyjohnston10 🏆
Congrats, Mikey! pic.twitter.com/2pnv2WPiU2
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 21, 2023
The Irish Times summarised Johnston’s display with what is a fairly accurate description of the player.
“The extremely rare sighting of an Ireland player getting the crowd off their seats. Ran at New Zealand relentlessly, bubbling with tricks, flicks and dribbles. Didn’t create many chances but set the tone.”
Johnston has been limited to just one appearance this season since he returned from his loan in Portugal. Unfortunately, he was injured as Brendan Rodgers took in the squad during pre-season. Now, he finds himself edging towards the Celtic exit unless he can get the opportunity to make an impact on the pitch. His compatriot Liam Scales serves as an embodied reminder that a player can become a key member of the first team, despite only weeks before appearing to be set to leave.
Ireland drew the game 1-1 in what was James McClean’s final appearance for his national team. It could also be the final game in charge of Ireland for Stephen Kenny with the ex-Dunfermline manager expected to be replaced by the FAI. One name that has been repeatedly linked with the role is Celtic legend Neil Lennon. The 52-year-old has been out of work since leaving Omonia Nicosia last year but his trophy haul, European pedigree and ability to get players up for big games could make him the ideal next manager of his country.
“Ran at New Zealand relentlessly, bubbling with tricks, flicks and dribbles. Didn’t create many chances.” There you have it.
Looks like Mikey is ok in meaningless matches, he can’t transfer or improve on that for competitive matches.
Mikey was ruined by Lennon at Celtic, he needs to consider where he plays his football from January onwards, he is so unfortunately no longer in contention.