Keeping It Real

Mikey Johnston was delighted to commit his long-term future to Celtic, and the Youth Academy graduate is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

- Paul Cuddihy

Mikey Johnston became the latest player to commit his long-term future to Celtic when he signed a new five-year deal just after Christmas, which will see him remain at the club until at least the summer of 2025.

Johnston is another Youth Academy success story, and his new deal follows similar commitments from Callum McGregor and James Forrest. And like those two players, Johnston is a positive example for the young players currently coming through the ranks at Celtic. Where he is now is where they want to be.

It's a strange feeling for the winger to be thought of as a role model, given that he is still only 20-years-old, but he’s happy to take on that responsibility if needs be.

Johnston now has 46 appearances and 11 goals to his name since making his first-team debut back in May 2017 when he played for nearly an hour in a 4-1 home win over St Johnstone. He wants to make more appearances, naturally, while he also feels that he would have reached his half-century before now had it not been for some injury setbacks along the way. That is part and parcel of life as a footballer, of course, and he tries to remain positive regardless of what hurdles might be put in front of him.

The new deal is testament to his talent and reward for his hard work. His aim is to continue on that same path in the months and years ahead.

“The new deal is a great present to have,” he told the Celtic View. “Christmas was great with the family, and | was just delighted to get it done.

“I've had the downside of the injury, so that halted my progress a wee bit this year, but I'm just trying to get back fit and get as many games as possible to get my stats up.

“There are always going to be ups and downs in football, and there are things you can learn from, and if you can overcome it mentally, then that will hold you in good stead.