Critics of Mikey Johnston have been urged to lay off the Celtic attacker.
Stephen Kenny insists the 24-year-old is a 'unique' talent and should be more appreciated by supporters of the champions.
Having made his debut way back in 2017, during Brendan Rodgers' first spell in charge, the Republic of Ireland international has struggled to become a first-team regular.
He has been blighted with injury issues over the years but has very much been a bit-part player under Rodgers, Ange Postecoglou and Neil Lennon.
Johnston spent last season in Portugal after he joined Vitoria Guimaraes on loan.
It was here that he earned a full call-up to the then-Ireland boss Kenny's national team squad.
And the ex-international manager insists Johnston could still make a name for himself at Parkhead.
He said: "People need to appreciate Mikey. He has come through the academy at Celtic to play for the first team, which isn't easy.
"For whatever reason, he's had a level of criticism at Celtic but he's a unique talent. The Irish public loves him and I think he'll go on to become an outstanding winger. He's capable of brilliant things.
"But like a lot of skillful players, he loves being loved. The harsh criticism is not easy to deal with for individual talents like that. They respond to the warmth of the crowd.
"I know how much Mikey loves it at Celtic. Growing up, that's all he ever wanted to do. That was his dream. Even when he was playing in Portugal, that's all he was thinking about."
Meanwhile, Chris Sutton reckons Celtic trio Yuki Kobayashi, Marco Tilio and Gustaf Lagerbielke could leave the club during the transfer window this month.
The former Parkhead striker is concerned the players have failed to prove they are good enough to force their way into the Celtic first-team this season.
