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Celtic’s ‘brilliant talent’ could leave before transfer deadline after Scott Brown backing

Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images
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GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 19: Mikey Johnston of Celtic celebrates scoring the winning goal during the Scottish Premier league match between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park on May 19, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Celtic winger Mikey Johsnton could be on the move in the final week of the transfer window as Aberdeen chase a potential loan deal.

That’s according to the Daily Record, who claim that Aberdeen boss Stephen Glass is desperate to add more attacking options.

The Dons now want to take Johnston on loan for the rest of the season, which could work out well for all parties.

Johnston has played in 12 Scottish Premiership games this season but has only completed 90 minutes twice.

Ange Postecoglou hasn’t given Johnston a key role this season, with loanee Jota shining in from the left flank.

New signing Daizen Maeda can also play on the left, meaning Johnston may struggle for first-team football if he stays at Celtic.

By making the move to Aberdeen, Johnston may be able to play regularly and really kick on – just as Ryan Christie did in 2017.

An interesting note is that former Celtic ace Scott Brown has allegedly giving a glowing recommendation about Johnston’s quality.

Brown and Johnston played together at Celtic, and with Brown now helping Stephen Glass on a coaching basis alongside his playing commitments, Johnston has been recommended.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 19: Mikey Johnston of Celtic controls the ball during the Premier Sports Cup Final between Celtic and Hibernian at Hampden Park on December 19, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Celtic do have a few injuries at the moment though, so Postecoglou could put off Johnston’s exit until the very last minute.

Turning 23 in April, Johnston may even need to think about leaving Celtic permanently in the near future.

11 goals and 10 assists in 77 games isn’t a terrible return, but it’s hard to see him becoming a regular starter for the Bhoys.

Branded ‘sensational’ and a ‘brilliant talent’ by Callum McGregor, Johnston has suffered with injuries, especially this season.

Quick and tricky, Johnston clearly has potential, but time away from Celtic – either on loan or permanently – may be needed to unlock it.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 12: Mikey Johnston of Celtic battles for possession with Stephen O'Donnell of Motherwell during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Motherwell FC at  on December 12, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images