ANGE POSTECOGLOU has challenged Mikey Johnston to show his ability on a consistent basis, telling the winger he has to match the level shown by the likes of Jota if he wants to win a regular place in the Celtic team.
Postecoglou is a huge fan of Johnston, and sympathises with the winger over the injuries that have disrupted his career so far to such a degree.
But after Johnston put on a stellar show in the 7-0 win over Wiener Viktoria on Wednesday evening, scoring once and setting up three of the other goals in a first-half masterclass, the Celtic manager told the 23-year-old that he must seize any opportunities he is given this summer.
“Mikey is one of those players, if he stays healthy, he has got ability,” Postecoglou said.
“We know he’s got talent. He’s got to be able to do that on a consistent basis.
“He is in an area the park where we’ve got some real competition and some real quality. That’s what he needs do to be able to do to match the other guys in his position, other guys like Daizen (Maeda), Jota, Liel (Abada) and James Forrest.
“There is no reason why he can’t do that. That’s the opportunity he gets now and it’s the same for everyone in this pre-season.
“Irrespective of what happened last year, they are all starting from a space where they can stake a claim and make a contribution this year.”
