The big rumour this evening centres around Mikey Johnston who was not involved in either the first team yesterday for the match against Norwich City or the Celtic B Team opener against Cowdenbeath.
Maybe that’s what started the gossip but the Celtic Rumours account is suggesting this evening that Mikey Johnston could be on his way to Belgium to play for Standard Liege, who are of course managed by the former Celtic boss Ronny Deila.
The rumour suggests that it’s a loan deal. Johnston has had a terrible time in recent season with persistent injury problems. The winger has never really impressed in the limited run-outs he’s managed under Ange Postecoglou and it would appear to make sense for all parties if this loan deal goes ahead and Ronny can get Mikey Johnston playing regularly, enjoying his football and realising his considerable potential.
With Jota, Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda and James Forrest all ahead of Johnston in the first team pecking order his chances of first team action in the new season would be limited should he remain at Celtic.
Hopefully there’s something in this one…
Rumours Mikey Johnston off to @Standard_RSCL on loan.
— Celticunderground (@celticrumours) July 24, 2022
This would be a great move for Johnston.
▪️Consistent minutes
▪️A manager he knows
▪️Competitive leagueHopefully it materialises. https://t.co/QqjjmNB2in
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) July 24, 2022
Johnstons suited to a game style where he remains in an advanced position as an attacking threat. He’s quick, good at taking on and beating a man and getting a shot away, and rarely he’ll look for a teammate in a better position.
He’s not going to get to play that way at Celtic, and coaches have no doubt worked with him on broadening his game, but he reverts to type every time he’s given minutes on the park.
Supporters have been calling for him to go out on loan for a while, so i hope it happens, and hope he learns from it, or gets a move to a team where his solo style will suit.
Celtic meanwhile need to be thinking about the future, and signing up the best Scottish & Scottish reared talent about.
Please God let this be true. Maybe throw in Ajeti in a two for the price of one deal.
Not a loan deal! He is too selfish and has had plenty of time to adapt.
Sadly, talented as he is, Mikey just isn’t good enough.