Celtic’s scoring prospects against Hibs at Easter Road on a recent Saturday appeared to take a dramatic turn when Brendan Rodgers made a decisive move. Recognizing the underperformance of his front three, which comprised the likes of Luis Palma, Kyogo, and Daizen Maeda, Rodgers took action.
It’s worth noting that all three players had, just days prior, put forth a remarkable effort against the formidable Atletico Madrid in a thrilling midweek clash. As the game kicked off at 3pm, it could have been a possibility for these star players to take a well-deserved breather on the bench, given the significant contributions they had made in the match against Atletico Madrid.
Brendan Rodgers had been candid about his reliance on the squad to navigate through a challenging series of games that were closely packed together during his pre-match media conference. Therefore, as the clock struck 1:45pm and the team lineup was unveiled, it came as a surprise to many observers.
The only change from the previous match was the inclusion of Paulo Bernardo in place of the injured Reo Hatate. This change raised some eyebrows since Bernardo had essentially played an entire match against the formidable Spanish giants in the Champions League just days before.
The absence of fresh legs in the Celtic lineup against the Hibs quickly became apparent, and it soon became evident that this decision was a significant error. It left many questioning whether a front three consisting of Forrest, Oh, and Mikey Johnston might have fared better under the circumstances.
While it remains uncertain, what was clear was that when these substitutions were eventually made and these players took to the field, Celtic at least began to pose a more significant threat.
The situation surrounding Oh’s opportunity for a starting position had been eagerly awaited, and it seemed that Saturday had presented the perfect moment to finally grant him that chance to kick-start his season. Having displayed patience and dedication, he was undoubtedly eager to make the most of this opportunity.
Interestingly, James Forrest had been in the spotlight, earning praise from the manager in the weeks leading up to the game. Despite this, he wasn’t selected to start on the weekend. However, Jamesy nearly became the hero for Celtic, coming close to securing a victory for the team.
In the closing moments, he once again posed a significant threat, narrowly missing a chance at the near post, highlighting his continued impact on the game.
Mikey Johnston, undoubtedly a player with immense talent, has often found himself struggling with luck while donning the Celtic jersey. However, in the recent game, he was handed a rare start after a considerable period of time. Although some rustiness was expected given his lack of consistent play, it came as no surprise.
Mikey was undoubtedly overeager, attempting to force the game in his favor. However, his determination and effort were evident, as he gave a resounding 100% on the field.
What’s intriguing is that Mikey Johnston represents a unique case where Brendan Rodgers’ renowned man-management skills can be put to excellent use. With the right guidance and nurturing, there’s a strong possibility that Mikey can fulfill his potential and contribute significantly to the team’s success.
Upon reflection, the blame game in the aftermath of the weekend’s match, particularly on social media, appeared to focus predominantly on James Forrest and, in particular, Mikey Johnston. However, it’s important to consider that if we seek to attribute blame, it should be directed at the manager. It’s clear that he failed to recognize that the front three, and perhaps even Paulo Bernardo, had exerted a tremendous amount of effort just a few days prior in their clash against the formidable Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Even Callum McGregor, a key figure for Celtic, appeared to be subdued during the match at Easter Road. It’s safe to say that Hibs caught Celtic on a day when they were not at their best. The responsibility for this, ultimately, should rest on the manager’s shoulders, as it’s his decisions that shape the team and its performance on the field.
Greg Taylor, a vocal supporter of Mikey Johnston, didn’t shy away from defending his teammate after the game. He emphasized that Mikey is an exceptional talent and consistently shines as a formidable opponent during training sessions. According to the Scotland international, Mikey possesses all the necessary qualities, but what’s critical is his self-belief and determination to secure a spot in the team. Taylor pointed to the example of Mikey’s Republic of Ireland teammate, Liam Scales, as an illustrative case.
He noted that Scales’ experience shows that it is possible to break into the side, but it requires not only talent but also a strong desire, relentless hard work, and a readiness to demonstrate one’s capabilities when called upon by the manager. In essence, Taylor’s words serve as a motivating reminder that, with the right attitude and effort, players like Mikey Johnston can make their mark and contribute significantly to the team’s success.
“That applies to everyone, regardless of how many games they play—20, 60, or five a season. You must seize the chance when it presents itself. According to the Glasgow Times, Taylor stated, “That’s the life of a squad.”
Regarding the specific contributions Mikey Johnston makes to the Celtic team, Taylor obviously thinks highly of the Irish winger.
“He’s got insane talent, Mikey. In a one-on-one match during training, he is among the greatest. As you can see, he has given some really impressive performances for Ireland. Thus, Mikey is capable. All that matters is producing work at a steady pace. He will get the chance to do it in games if he performs that in training. One of the best players is present.
