CELTIC cleverly announced the brilliant news that Mikey Johnston has put pen to paper on a new five year deal on the day before the biggest game of the year this lunchtime against the Rangers at Celtic Park. Across the city to was all moonbeam stuff – apparently some Colombia has had an £11m big for Alfredo Morelos knocked-back – it’s scarcely believable to say the least yet Celtic’s news is tangible and shows real intent and ambition from both the club and indeed the exciting young player who is going to be a huge star in the Hoops.
Incidentally here is Morelos being cheered on to Celtic Park by the Celtic fans – such a nice bunch aren’t we?
The abuse this young man receives is nothing short of DISGUSTANG https://t.co/D6D9SkPBf4 pic.twitter.com/E7b7yJ9VD5
— Tam sellics son III (@TamsellicsonIII) December 28, 2019
Speaking exclusively to Celtic TV yesterday afternoon, Mikey Johnston was on a real high, delighted to get the deal done and announced ahead of today’s Premiership showdown.
“It’s a great present to have. Christmas was great with the family, and I’m just delighted now to get this done.
“I’ve had the downside of the injury, so that halted my progress a wee bit this year, but I’m just trying to get back fit and get as many games as possible to get my stats up.
“There are always going to be ups and downs in football, and there are things you can learn from, and if you can overcome it mentally, then that will hold you in good stead.
A long-term contract for #CelticFC's No.19 – yas, Celts! 🤩🍀#Johnston2025 pic.twitter.com/0zDn9oydQo
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 28, 2019
“I’m always happy to help the team wherever I’m needed, and I’m always happy to score goals and create goals for the team when I can. Hopefully I can keep doing that in the future.”
The 20 year old has had to endure an injury hit season, ironically something he picked up in the 2-0 win over today’s visitors back in September in the match at Ibrox has been the root of much of the trouble for Celtic number 19, but Mikey is ready to make an impact today alright.
He is following in the footsteps of Celtic Academy role models James Forrest and Callum McGregor and is happy to turn to these established first team stars for any advice needed as he follows in their footsteps.
“People like Callum and James are great players to look up to,” he said to Celtic TV, as reported on the official Celtic site. “They’re always willing to give me advice whenever I need it, and I’m always happy to learn. I’m also happy to carry that on and hopefully teach the younger boys how to do it.”
And Johnston had plenty of praise for managerial team at Celtic. “Neil Lennon has been great for me, and all the advice he gives me is brilliant for learning as a player and developing,” he said. “Everything I’ve learned from him and the coaching staff has been brilliant so far.
📺 “It’s a great present to have. Christmas was great with the family, and I’m just delighted now to get this done.”@mikeyjohnston10 speaking exclusively after signing a new five-year deal with #CelticFC. Full interview on https://t.co/hiI9BAztU9! ✍️#Johnston2025 pic.twitter.com/Z6ugsfXetJ
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 28, 2019
“I’ll always go to John Kennedy and Damien Duff, and try to learn from them – we’ll do analysis and things like that, and they’re always trying to lead me on the right path. Damien’s done so much in the game and he’s got so much knowledge to give, and I’m just trying to take it all in.”
There’s genuine excitement in Mikey’s interview and it’s a joy to watch (see below). Whether he starts today or comes off the bench that incredible high might just help him make a significant impact in today’s proceedings and help Celtic to another Beautiful Sunday win.
