Mikey Johnston has set his sights on a return to Celtic next season - and forcing his way into Ange Postecoglou ’s side.
The 24-year-old winger has spent this campaign on loan at Portuguese top flight outfit Vitoria Guimaraes and has excelled. He’s been a key player in their bid for a Europa League spot behind big guns Benfica, Porto, Braga and Sporting Lisbon. But Johnston says he’ll be back at Celtic for pre-season as a better player than the one which left Glasgow.
And in an exclusive interview with Mailsport , he revealed that he’s still determined to make an impact under Postecoglou. Johnston played 20 times for the Hoops boss last term, which included a start in the 2021 League Cup Final win over Hibs. After impressing for Guimaraes - as well as making his international debut for Republic of Ireland in March - he hasn’t given up on a future at Parkhead.
Johnston said: “What happens next season isn’t really down to me. I’ve given it everything I’ve got over here and I’ve enjoyed it.
“But if I can go back to Celtic and play, that’s definitely something I want to do. I’m 24 and this is the most games I’ve played in a season. I want to build on that, not go back the way.
“I’d love to play for Celtic next season but we’ll have to wait and see. I’ve always thought I could play for the club on a regular basis. I’ve never felt I wasn’t good enough to be there.
“Once you do that, you’re defeated. Obviously, I’ve watched as many games as I possibly could over here. They’ve done brilliantly this season and I want to be involved in that. Any player would.
“I reckon they’ll have watched me this season in Portugal. I’ve had a few messages from people at the club.”
Johnston insists he’s improved physically and tactically during his spell at Guimaraes. The former Scotland Under-21 star feels as fit as he’s ever done in his career so far.
And now he’s ready to show Postecoglou that he can rely on him in a Hoops jersey. He said: “I’ve love to gain Ange’s trust. I think he did trust me in spells and it was up to me to produce.
“I know I didn’t always do that and there’s so much competition for places at Celtic. But he started me in a cup final not that long ago.
"So I think he does trust me. He’s been brilliant for the club and he’s got the team playing some fantastic football.”
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