Mikey Johnston has been backed to have 'another 'status' on his Celtic return.
The young attacker is currently plying his trade in Portugal after joining Vitoria SC on loan for the season with game-time set to be limited under Ange Postecoglou at Parkhead. Current boss Moreno Teixeira believes he is growing in every way as he pinpointed skill and speed as key attributes.
The winger recently decided to switch his allegiance to the Republic of Ireland and made his debut during the current international break. He showed his intent from the off against Latvia in a home friendly as he made an instant impact after less than one minute. He was then offered a further run out in the defeat to World Cup finalists France in Euro 2024 qualifying.
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Speaking to Herald Sport, Teixeria explained: “Mikey Johnston is a young player who is still learning and we knew he had room to improve.
“I was not mistaken: he has skill, speed and fits easily into any tactical system. He is growing in every way, becoming more and more useful for the team.
“He has three goals and three assists in 22 games played by Vitória SC, which is already a very good record for someone playing for the first time in the Portuguese Liga, one of the most competitive in Europe.
“We have excellent options for the wings and he deserved the opportunities he had, being a very competitive and professional both in training and in games.
“Naturally he should improve some aspects and he knows what they are, but I am not at all surprised by his call to the Republic of Ireland.
“He is a valuable winger, he has evolved a lot and, therefore, I believe he will have another status when he returns to Celtic at the end of the season”.
On his own future, Johnston added: “Portugal has been really good. I had quite a bad time with injuries in the last couple of years.
“For a full year, touch wood, I have been fine and managed to get back to full fitness.
“Vitoria has been a great platform for me. They are in a big league and it’s really competitive.
“I have had a lot of starts, a lot of games, a lot of consistency, which is what I needed.
“Will I be back at Celtic long-term? We will see. I don’t want to sit on the bench. I just want to feel important.”
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