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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

Mikey Johnston halfway report as Celtic star continues Portuguese journey ahead of Parkhead return

Celtic have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to wide frontmen.

But one man who has taken on a different challenge to show he is ready to play a big role on his return to the Scottish champions is Mikey Johnston. Injuries in the past couple of seasons have stalled his progress at the Hoops with Ange Postecoglou deciding the best thing for the 23-year-old was a season out getting top team football.

Many players would take the UK route but the Celtic attacker took himself right out of his comfort zone and made the switch to Portugal's top flight with Vitoria SC. On his temporary exit from the club he penned a one-year extension through until 2026. A show of faith from the Parkhead club in the hope the move pays fruitful and he puts his injury woes behind him while improving overall as a player in a technical league.

READ MORE: Albian Ajeti handed three word Celtic future verdict as Hoops hero admits: 'I have no idea why'

His first goal for his new club was a cracker in a five-goal thriller with Famalicao. He's went on to score three goals in all competitions across 17 appearances and provided three assists. His form has helped his side have a decent first half of the campaign with the challenge for Europe at the halfway stage well on.

They currently sit seventh in the top flight just three points behind Casa Pia - who currently occupy the final Europa Conference League qualifier spot - in fifth spot.

Johnston has experienced playing against heavyweights Benfica and Sporting Lisbon this season and this weekend was the turn of Porto. He started the game and played 67 minutes but was unable to prevent his team from losing 1-0 to the league title challengers.

The youngster is clearly enjoying his time in Portugal as he uploaded snaps from the game to his personal Instagram account with the caption: "Good fight, onto the next."

He will be back in Glasgow in the summer and will put up a fight against the likes of Jota, Daizen Maeda, Liel Abada and club legend James Forrest for top team minutes.

Vitória vice-president Nuno Leite recently confirmed that news while admits a 'very rare' trait the attacker possesses that he's not used to seeing in football.

He told Desportivo de Guimarães: "We have to enjoy him until the end of the season. He is a great player, an extraordinary professional who helps the group. Unfortunately, Vitória will not be able to keep him.

"As a manager, I have seen a very rare thing that we are not used to in football. When he is substituted, he apologizes for the performance when the game does not go well for him. 'Sorry, this is not my football, I am very disappointed'."

Will the year in Portugal prove the ultimate success come his return to Scotland? Only time will tell. But the signs so far are good.

READ NEXT:

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- Scott Brown Celtic transfer raid as Hoops legend takes Scott Robertson to Fleetwood Town

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