Striker Mikey Johnston started for Celtic during their win against Dundee.
Andy Walker has stated that the ‘sharpness’ in Mikey Johnston’s game allows him to survive in Brendan Rodgers Celtic team despite his ‘slight frame’.
In recent weeks, Celtic have been short in the attacking department with Odsonne Edouard out injured and Leigh Griffiths taking a break to deal with ‘ongoing issues’, as reported by BBC Sport.
That opened the door for 19-year-old Johnston to play up front for the Hoops as the winger has not disappointed by netting three goals in his last two matches.
In only his second league start since September, Johnston scored a brace against bottom-of-the-table Dundee on Saturday to help maintain his side’s slender lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Former Celtic man Walker praised the recent rise of star man Johnston as he pinpointed the qualities in his game and why he is playing up front for the club.
“It is always great to see someone who has been at a club since [they were] eight or nine come through the various age groups,” Walker told Sky Sports News on 24/12/2018 at 11:20 am “He’s made his debut in the first team and I think more importantly he is showing he is capable.
“He is very sharp, he’s not a natural striker. I think he would prefer to play in a wider area. He’s got a very slight frame, but there is a sharpness to his game that enables him to survive in the Celtic team. You cannot play up front for Celtic if you don’t have a really good first touch and instant control. Mikey Johnston has that.”
It remains to be seen if Rodgers continues with Johnston up front as there are two big games coming up for Celtic, which could have a big say in the title race.
On Boxing Day, Rodgers’ side will travel to Pittodrie to taken on third-placed Aberdeen before they take on bitter rivals Rangers three days later at Ibrox.
Dropped points in those fixtures could result in Celtic losing top spot in the table despite the Glasgow club having one game in hand over their rivals.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
