Sunday’s Scottish Cup game against Raith Rovers really was a turgid watch.
For forty five minutes at least.
That first half showing by the team drew a huge response from Ange Postecoglou that we don’t often see from the Celtic gaffer and it is little wonder.
No craft. No guile. No invention.
Which is disappointing seeing as Postecoglou gave minutes to players that, first of all need them, but more importantly, get the chance to show us what they can do.
Make a case for not leaving them out the team again.
Players like Mikey Johnstone for example.
The young winger has struggled with injury the past two seasons and just as it seemed that he was on top of his injury worries, he breaks down again and could be out for the foreseeable.
But that is secondary for the moment.
Did Mikey do enough to convince the Celtic fans, and Ange, that he is on the up and should be making a case to be a regular starter?
For me? No. I think Mikey knows this is his big season to prove the doubters wrong. I think he knows if it doesn’t happen for him this season at Celtic, it could be his last.
He’s trying too hard to make it happen and it shows in the end product on the pitch.
And it seems popular Celtic podcasters, A Celtic State of Mind are of the same opinion.
Host, Paul John Dykes was offering his on young Mikey and it seems that he thinks his time could be up at Celtic, “Anyone watching that game for ninety minutes is a clear indication of the drop off in quality for a first choice left winger to your second choice.
“And let’s not forget to be 22 year old and be Celtic’s second choice left winger is something to behold.
“But the drop in quality is massive. It’s huge. It’s astronomical.
“I would love for Mikey Johnstone to make it at Celtic and there’s always these wee flashes.
“There were flashes in the League Cup final. At halftime we made the point that he is getting doubled up, which he is, but they double up on Jota and it doesn’t really affect him.
“And I get that he is a special talent.
“Where does this leave Mikey? I mean, he’s been so unlucky with injury.
“But it’s almost as if you’re just expecting the next injury for Mikey Johnstone which is a shame.
“And I just think that Mikey Johnstone’s got a lot of talent. There’s no doubt it.
“But I just don’t know how many times we’re going to have this discussion before it gets to the point where we think, ‘Yeah, maybe his future lies elsewhere.”
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