Ex-Celtic striker Chris Sutton wants to see more from Mikey Johnston after a mixed evening against Real Betis in the 3-2 win on Thursday.
Johnston provided a great assist for Ewan Henderson’s goal but he was arguably at fault for the two that the Hoops conceded on the night, and Sutton feels the player needs to be less selfish:
“I really think it’s time for Mikey Johnston to step up. I’m a huge fan of his. He’s such a big talent and we’ve been talking about his potential for long enough. Johnston is 22 now and he needs to be producing in the here and now. As much as I like him, I would be battering him every day in training if I was still in that dressing room. Wide players need to know when it’s not about them. When to understand you need to release the ball rather than beating a man a couple of times.”
A Sutton says himself, Johnston can be a frustrating player to watch at times. He undoubtedly has the ability to trouble opposing defences but his decision-making leaves a lot to be desired.
At 22 years of age, he has to show his manager that he can be trusted. The winger did start against Dundee United last time out in the league but it was only his second start of the season.
Everyone knows about Johnston’s fitness problems but he has been back available since mid-September and, with the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi and Giorgos Giakmoumakis missing through injury, it will be hoped he can fill in ably in upcoming games.
