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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Robbie Copeland

Celtic loan watch as Vasilis Barkas rejuvenation continues and Mikey Johnston makes his mark

Ange Postecoglou and his team might not be in action this weekend but there is plenty of vested interest out there with a number of Celtic loanees in action across the globe.

It's been a long couple of years for Vasilis Barkas after his Parkhead move didn't go to plan but it seems the much-maligned Greek stopper is undergoing a dramatic career revival out of the spotlight in the Netherlands. Having fallen behind Joe Hart, Scott Bain and now Benjamin Siegrist in the pecking order, he headed off to Utrecht trying to get things back on track and it's so far, so good.

He's started every minute of their Eredivisie season so far and while they took until matchweek five to pick up their first win, they've now won two on the bounce with Barkas impressing between the sticks. He was credited with two key stops to shut out Melle Meulensteen and Million Manhoef as they picked up a big win - and their second clean sheet of the season - against Vitesse.

There were high hopes for Mikey Johnston when he came roaring out of the Lennoxtown academy but he's not quite been able to force himself into Postecoglou's plans. Nonetheless he'll be hoping a loan spell in Portugal catches the eye and he got his first taste of Primeira Liga action on Friday night.

The 23-year-old came on for Vitoria Guimares at half-time in a tactical change-up against Santa Clara and it immediately paid off with Anderson Silva heading in the only goal of the game soon after. He was utilised at left wing-back - an unconventional role for the winger by trade but one that may add another string to his bow.

Midfield engine Ismaila Soro joins him in Portugal and he's had a mixed start, dipping in and out of the Arouca starting lineup. But he did start their 0-0 draw with Casa Pia and has been putting his tenacity to good use - they are yet to lose a game this season when he's started.

Over in Austria, Albian Ajeti is looking to get his career back on track but it hasn't been plain-sailing so far. He had to make do with 20-minute cameos against Midtjylland in the Europa League and Hartberg in the Austrian Bundesliga - but he makes his first start on Sunday so that will be one to look out for. Meanwhile Osaze Urhoghide is doing his best Jack Hendry impression as he's been a virtual ever-present for Oostende - starting every game so far, most recently helping them to a clean sheet and a win over Eupen.

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