Mikey Johnston told to make Celtic move this summer

Mikey Johnston is being urged to get a move this summer in order for him to get regular football. The winger has been heavily linked with a move to Standard Liege and ex-Celtic boss Ronny Deila but a deal is yet to transpire.

Johnston, 23, is being urged by Barry Ferguson to make the move to ensure that he reaches his potential as a player.

Speaking to Go Radio, the former Rangers and Scotland midfielder said that a move to Belgium would suit Johnston as it would guarantee him football.

“He’s at an age where he’s got to (get regular games). I think if you asked him in this studio right now, he knows that he’s got to at least have a chance to play week in week out.

“I don’t think it’d be a bad move, he’d be one of the main men and I assume he’d go straight into the starting eleven.

“On his day he’s a real great player, great potential, but he hasn’t fulfilled that potential because he hasn’t had enough games.”

Johnston has been the next big thing for a number of seasons since Brendan Rodgers was Celtic manager. Johnston is disrupted by injuries and competition for his place meaning that he can’t get an extended run in the team. Ange Postecoglou has given the player a chance at various junctures but appears to be keen to get him out on loan for the experience.

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.