Mikey Johnston scored his first goal for the Republic of Ireland against Gibraltar last night and was asked about his goal and the return of his former boss to Celtic Park this week. Johnston of course broke into the Hoops side under fellow Irishman Rodgers, who will now link-up with the winger once again after penning a three-year-deal with Glasgow’s green and white.

19th June 2023 Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland: International Football Group B Euro 2024 Qualifier, Republic of Ireland versus Gibraltar Mikey Johnston of Ireland celebrates scoring the opening goal for 1 – 0 in the 52nd minute ActionPlus Peter Fitzpatrick

The man who was sent out on a loan deal to Vitoria Guimaraes in Portugal, after Ange Postecoglou decided to give him an extension to his current Celtic deal at the time, clearly has bags of potential yet has only shown in flashes what he is truly capable of. The former Asian Cup-winning coach clearly saw something in him as well as Rodgers and Neil Lennon too.

Perpetually plagued by injuries during his time at his boyhood club too, Mikey has never really had a chance to get a right good run at it in a Celtic jersey, mores the pity in all honesty. His dribbling ability and skillset that enables him to drift past opposition players with ease is a rarity in the modern game. Mikey is definitely cut from the old school cloth of wingers in that respect.

19th June 2023 Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland: International Football Group B Euro 2024 Qualifier, Republic of Ireland versus Gibraltar Evan Ferguson of Ireland celebrates scoring his side second goal with Mikey Johnston in minute 59 ActionPlus12521478 PeterFitzpatrick

Now that he’s went out and experienced a new culture and environment, he will be hoping he can come back and fight for the right to wear the famous hoops jersey. The return of Brendan Rodgers to the helm has certainly got him excited for what comes next in his future, as no doubt he will be given the opportunity to impress the ex-Leicester City boss once more. Speaking in his post-match interview, he revealed that he learned so much from Rodgers first time around and that he is “delighted” that the Treble winner is back.

Have a listen to Mikey Johnston talk about his pleasure at the return of Brendan Rodgers below…

🗣”Amazing. Amazing. Better when it’s a tap-in as well.”

🗣”[My family] were buzzing.”

Mikey Johnston talks about his first goal for Ireland and his impending reunion with Brendan Rodgers at @CelticFC.

🗣”I learned a lot under him before. Delighted he’s back.” pic.twitter.com/vosbF6yZhL

— Off The Ball (@offtheball) June 19, 2023

Paul Gillespie

HUGE SAVINGS IN THE CELTIC STAR’S SUMMER SALE!

The Celtic Star’s book promotion has been so successful, with hundreds of books at great prices being posted to Celtic fans all over the world, that we’ve decided to continue with the sale until the end of July. We’ve reduced all six books currently available from their usual retail price of £20 and prices are as low as £6 (see below).

All books are high quality hardback, with some signed by the author. And it’s also worth noting that you only pay postage on one book, so it’s free for the second, third and so on. ORDER HERE or click on The Celtic Star image above…this is how it feels to be Celtic!