Mikey Johnston has been hailed for 'not giving up' on his Celtic career but his old coach admits he wouldn't have made the same decision over his international career.
The on-loan Hoops winger is plying his trade with Vitoria Guimaraes in Portugal as he looks to edge his way back in to Ange Postecoglou's side with competition hot for places in Glasgow. Johnston is part of a cohort of loan stars but the winger has impressed and admits he's enjoying his time in Europe.
The 23-year-old also made the decision this week to declare his international allegiance to the Republic of Ireland rather than Scotland, a move that Scots Under-21s boss Scot Gemmill says must be respected. Johnston was capped at youth level for the Tartan Army but didn't make the jump to Steve Clarke's senior squad.
Gemmill admits he would never have made the same call but that the attacker's drive and determination is clear to see. He said: “It’s obviously Mikey's decision. In my opinion, I would find it very difficult to do that.
“I grew up dreaming of playing for Scotland. Possibly, my upbringing was different because my dad played for Scotland, but that's just my own personal viewpoint.
“If I wasn't in the Scotland squad I would keep working hard to try and get into it. I understand that might be different for other players and other people who have got links to other countries.
“I can remember Mikey scoring a brilliant goal against England in Toulon. If you had said to him then he would have said he would have tried to force his way into the Celtic team.
“It didn’t go to plan, he's had injuries and he’s had to go away and play elsewhere with Vitoria Guimaraes so you have to give him credit for not giving up.
“He’s kept pushing and now he has been given an opportunity elsewhere so we have to respect that.”
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