As the team wraps up for the winter break, it will be good to see the team return after a few weeks of rest and recuperation and get ready for the title run in.
Sitting six points behind the league leaders, Celtic struggled against St Mirren midweek and after huffing and puffin today, ran out eventual 3-1 winners over St Johnstone in Perth.
Although not in today’s squad, former Celt Frank McAvennie insists Hoops winger Mikey Johnstone is stuck between a rock and a hard place as he puts the boot into the 22 year old for his most recent performances.
Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie said, “I was very surprised to see Johnston start against Hibs.
“That just shows how thin they are. I’m still not convinced by him.
“I got it wrong with Ralston, I’m not wrong about this guy. He’s been here too long.
“He has great ability but his decision making is terrible. He played out wide against Hibs but he kept cutting in and running into players.
“I don’t mean running into them and taking them on, he was bouncing off them.
“The manager trusts him, but for me, he’s never done it for us.
“Maybe the crowd was getting to him and he was trying to do too much.
“I think if he went to Aberdeen or Hibs or Hearts, he would be a better player.
“I don’t think he has what it takes. He’s too good for the bench but not good enough for the first team.”
What Johnstone needs is a run of games in the team after lengthy lay offs through injury.
Until he gets that, McAvennie and a section of the Hoops support need to lay off him as the level of criticism he is receiving is extremely unfair.
Maybe he needs a loan move to allow him to develop outside the microscope of Celtic.
Until then, he needs our support, not constant criticism as clearly the manager see’s something in him after extending his contract.
The criticism against Mikey J is not undeserved. He’s not been playing well for a long time, injured or not. His erratic form and inability finish a move with a decent pass, cross or shot is infuriating. He reminds me of the young McGeady at times, but with McGrady, frustrating though he could be at times, he still delivered. MJ has been around the first team long enough to understand better decisions, and until he does his critics are justified in saying their piece, and his inclusion in a full squad is not guaranteed.
If a loan move it must be to an attacking team with a good coach. Hibs would be ideal now that Maloney is manager. Wingers have to cut in at times as full back otherwise just ushers them along the wing until they run out of space. Mikey J has cut in but doesn’t see a pass or his shots on goal don’t create any danger. That’s where he needs good coaching.