Mikey Johnston scored his first goal for Ireland this evening in Dublin. The Celtic winger enjoyed a spell on loan with Vitoria Guimaraes in Portugal and has completed a successful campaign by netting in the win over Gibraltar.
The 24-year-old came on at half time and netted the Irish’s opening goal which relieved some pressure on Stephen Kenny as the team went on to record a comfortable win.
Ireland lead against Gibraltar! 🇮🇪@CelticFC‘s Mikey Johnston scores his first international goal as he taps in from close-range 🟢👏#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/OruzZppDA5
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) June 19, 2023
Johnston has had a terrible time in recent seasons with persistent injury problems. The winger has never really impressed in the limited run-outs he’s managed under Ange Postecoglou and it made sense to switch Glasgow for Portugal in the hunt of regular football. In thirteen appearances, Johnston has scored three times and assisted three times. Given his age, he still has a lot of football ahead of him and the time away from Celtic will surely enhance his abilities.
With Brendan Rodgers returning, Johnston will be hopeful that he can return to the fold and make an impact on the first team. Celtic have a wealth of wide options at the manager’s disposal. Daizen Maeda, Jota, Liel Abada, James Forrest and Sead Haksabanovic are all battling for the two wide positions in the team.
