Shay Given has lauded Mikey Johnston after the Celtic star shone brightly for the Republic of Ireland last night.
Life might be difficult, in terms of game time and injuries for Mikey Johnston, at Celtic this season.
But he was handed a surprise start by Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny against Gibraltar and he rewarded his manager with a first-half goal, as well as walking away with the Man of the Match award.
Legendary goalkeeper Shay Given praised Celtic’s wide man and how ‘I love watching him play’, as he told RTE Soccer.
Mikey Johnston wasn’t the only one starting the Euro 2024 qualifier – Ireland’s chances of earning automatic qualification have ended – but Liam Scales also started.
It has been a brilliant start to the season for Celtic’s man at the back because he has taken the chance to earn valuable minutes, because of injuries, with both hands.
Mikey Johnston has now done the same, albeit on the international stage, as he will be hoping things will look on the up when he returns to the domestic scene.
Mikey Johnston scores for Ireland
“I said before the game, I love watching him play,” said Given. “Mostly off the bench. His first competitive start and everything is good.
“Right side and left side, the wingers have been really sharp. It was a great strike at goal. Even the goal he scored, he was coming in from the wing.
“Here is the reaction after the shot, he isn’t happy with the shot. He is pressing high up the pitch winning the ball back and winning the corner for his team. He has just been central to everything positive Ireland have done.”
Positive international break for the Celtic boys
The biggest talking point over this international break was Callum McGregor and Scotland earning their ticket to Euro 2024.
But Johnston wasn’t the only one who scored this week, Gustaf Lagerbielke also netted his first goal for his country.
And now Johnston and Scales have added to that to round off a solid international set of fixtures for the Bhoys.
