Celtic have a pretty deep roster at this point in time but there are quite a few players who did not seem to be a major part of Brendan Rodgers’ plans. It remains to be seen what the future holds for them. Of course, Liam Scales’ rise from the bottom of the centre-back pecking order to a regular starter shows that anything is possible if one is patient and capitalises when the opportunity eventually comes knocking.
On the other hand, the train might have already left the station for them. And in their cases, it might be best to look for a change in scenery and start afresh.
Mikey Johnston is having an interesting time for sure. On one hand, he is making waves at the international level with the Republic of Ireland national team. On the other hand, he is struggling to even feature for Celtic.
There are major question marks over Johnston’s future at the club. And some feel that leaving might be the right step for him if he wants regular playing time.
Celtic player told he will need to make Parkhead exit
As reported by TBR Football, Mark Guidi said on The Go Radio Football Show:
"“The Liam Scales story is obviously inspirational to any footballer that’s maybe struggling to find his way.“Mikey Johnston, I don’t see him beating or ever getting ahead of Liel Abada when he’s fit or Palma now or Maeda who’s on the other side.“So I think Mikey Johnston’s a very talented footballer but I think to get regular football, I think he’ll need to go elsewhere.”"
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Johnston. But if he cannot get some playing time over the coming weeks, then there is very little chance he will ever feature heavily under the management of Rodgers.
At the moment, Celtic have two key wingers out in the form of Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda. On the other hand, James Forrest is no longer the player he was in his prime. Yang Hyun-jun has been getting game time but is inconsistent. And Marco Tilio is yet to play a single minute since arriving in the summer from Melbourne City FC.