Mikey Johnston’s loan from Celtic to West Bromwich Albion couldn’t be going any better than it is.
Not only has he established himself as a first-team regular under Carlos Corberan but he has been in excellent form, helping the Baggies in their push for promotion to the English Premier League.
Johnston has scored seven goals in 14 appearances since making a temporary switch in January, earning plaudits from supporters, pundits, his fellow teammates and manager.
Not only that but it was announced this week that he has won the English Championship Player of the Month award for March.
Questions are now being asked about what the winger’s future holds. Will Celtic look to cash in or bring him back to Lennoxtown to see if he can make a renewed push into Brendan Rodgers’ team?
Brendan Rodgers on Mikey Johnston
Going by the manager’s comments today, it seems Celtic will be keen to see what Johnston is capable of in pre-season before deciding on his transfer status.
Rodgers said in a media conference [Celtic FC YouTube]: “I’m absolutely delighted for him because he’s a young player that I always said I rated highly.
“It’s been a challenge for him the past couple of years in terms of injuries and having to go out on loan to play.
“The first six months of this season I said to him ‘Just prove that you’re fit and have the fitness level to sustain and train every day and be able to be available for games.’
“In fairness to him, he did that, and by the end, he was contributing for us. But he really needed games, he’s 24 years of age and needed to get out and play. What he’s shown and what he’s demonstrated is no surprise.
“I said it before, he’s one of the best talents to come out of the academy. He’s quick, he’s direct and he can score goals. For him to go there and get that award – with some outstanding players in the Championship – it shows you how well he’s done.
“Hopefully, he can continue with that and come back to Celtic in the summer and be really energised again and full of confidence and be ready to make an impact.”
Johnston has multiple career options available to him now. If he can help West Brom find success in the playoffs, hype around his ability is only going to grow and his value will increase further.
He may well determine his future is best served elsewhere. But the chance to find redemption and become a starter at Celtic could be on the cards, especially with renewed support from the manager.