Mikey Johnston, currently on loan at West Bromwich Albion from Celtic, is one of the most divisive players among the Parkhead faithful. Regardless of performance, the winger proceeds to split opinion every time he plays.
In Hoops, Johnston never gained consistency in terms of fitness, minutes, or displays. South of the border, though, he has managed all of the above.
The 24-year-old has flourished since moving to the English Championship, scoring six goals and assisting another in 10 West Brom appearances.
Such impressive performances have prompted discussions involving many figures surrounding Celtic and Scottish football. Fans remain split in their opinions of Johnston while manager Brendan Rodgers has said that although the winger has always possessed talent, the weight of the shirt outside of Glasgow is much less.
It remains to be seen whether the Ireland internationalist will be given another opportunity when he returns to the Hoops in the summer.
Already, he has played 92 senior games for The Bhoys in all competitions. Before Johnston even stepped foot on the grass for the first team, however, journalist Hugh MacDonald revealed that he was already a hot topic within Scottish football circles.
Speaking on the PLZ Soccer Journos Show, MacDonald claimed that people were more excited about the attacker than now Scotland star Billy Gilmour. He said: “A good few years ago I was at a dinner with two guys.
“I would say [they are] very well respected in Scottish football, very well connected with what’s going on in Scottish football and who’s coming through.
“I said ‘What’s the next big thing in Scottish football?’; both of them, without even [hesitating], [said] Mikey Johnston.
“I said I’ve heard about this boy Billy Gilmlour – ‘Oh Johnston. Johnston’s going to be this, he’s going to be that, he’s got everything’. Suddenly, he becomes the butt of almost jokes.
“Then he goes somewhere else and suddenly he’s a Championship player and he’s playing well for West Brom and West Brom will pay money for him.”
