Celtic duo Liam Scales and Mikey Johnston both played for Ireland as they won by four goals to nil away at Gibraltar in Euro 2024 qualifying on Monday evening. It was the tricky winger who was most impressive, bagging his second Irish goal.
Just under half an hour in, Johnston opened the scoring, tapping into an empty net after his initial shot ricocheted off the post. Throughout the game, he was a lively customer and resultantly, he won the Man of the Match award.
After the game, the 24-year-old did admit he wasn’t the sharpest as it was the first time he played from the beginning this season. He said (RTE Soccer): “It was my first start this season. I was feeling a bit rusty but I was buzzing to get going again. I needed to get on the scoresheet tonight so I’m delighted I did.”
For Ireland, it will be hoped Johnston can continually kick on now. It is highly unlikely that he has a future at Parkhead but one never knows.
His compatriot Liam Scales has turned things around recently and Johnston will be aiming to do the same although the depth and quality available to Brendan Rodgers in the wide areas at the minute is next to none.
