Opportunity Knocking

Mikey Johnston on scoring his first European goal and preparing for an important season ahead

- Joe Donnelly

GREEK philosopher Epictetus is credited with saying, ‘It’s not what happens to you, but how you react that matters.’ After going 1-0 down against FK Sarajevo in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League last week, Mikey Johnston embodied those wise words when he unleashed an earth-shattering equaliser just six minutes after conceding.

From almost nothing, the tireless winger carved a sliver of space down the inside-left channel, shook off three players, and fired a bullet right-foot drive into the corner of the opposition net.

Not only did the goal restore parity on the scoreboard, it set Celtic on their way to clinch three vital away goals and dominate from back to front for the remainder of the first-leg tie.

“My goal was alright!” said a modest Johnston after the match in Sarajevo. “I got a bit of space and thankfully it’s found its way in.

“The game went pretty well for me. I’m feeling pretty fit, and I can hopefully continue to get opportunities and keep performing.

“Scoring in our first competitive game this season was a great feeling, and I’m hopeful it sets a marker moving forward.