CHRIS SUTTON says he expects things from one Celtic player in-particular this season, a player he believes became an Ibrox scapegoat last season when he was chucked in at the deep end, not once, but twice.
The former Celtic striker has hailed academy graduate Mikey Johnston for his influence on the game against Sarajevo on Tuesday night. Sutton is very high on the attacking midfielder and believes he Mikey was less than productive last term because of the way he was used.
Mikey started both games at Ibrox, coming in cold for both and being played out of position. Mikey, along with most other Celtic players went missing in these games. Chris believes more was made of Mikey’s presence in the team and he ultimately became a scapegoat for the side.
“The sweet strike eased any creeping feeling of tension out in Bosnia and could be the making of Johnston.” Sutton wrote in his RecordSport column.
“A lot is expected of the lad and this is going to be an extremely important season.
“Let’s be honest, he was shafted in the two Old Firm games at Ibrox last season. Johnston was unfairly chucked in up front in the first one and a lot put on his shoulders in the second one.
“Celtic lost both and he was harshly made a scapegoat but I’ve been impressed with his response since”
Mikey got the all important equaliser in Bosnia and seems to be responding to Neil Lennon and what the Irishman wants from him going forward. With so much competition up top for Celtic, it’s not going to be easy to keep his position.
