Johnstone Needs To Learn Now Or Be The Next McCourt

According to Football Scotland it is being reported that Mikey Johnston could be on his way to Ronnie Deila’s Standard Liege team on a season long loan. While nothing has been confirmed by the club, this is a logical move for all parties as he finds himself further down the pecking order at Celtic Park.

Johnston clearly has talent, quick feet, decent turn of pace and can on occasion, deliver a good final ball. The problem is his lack of consistency, often trying to beat a player several times or beat too many players. His history of long-term injury is also a concern. Johnston reminds me a lot of Celtic fan favourite Paddy McCourt, while some might see that as a compliment, I, for one was never a fan of the Derry Pele, undoubtedly, he had incredible ball control, however he often flattered to deceive, like Johnston, the final ball was often an issue. He often had all the tricks but would lose possession easily and put the team in trouble. Very rarely did his performance match his actual ability.

Mikey Johnston is at the stage in his career where he needs to focus fully on the weaker aspects of his game, learn when to play the ball and use his undoubted skill for the benefit of the team not his own highlight reel. Perhaps a loan to Belgium will be the wake up call he needs, or else he may end up, like McCourt in never fulfilling his true potential.