Rangers hero urges in-form player to leave Celtic

Celtic have not had a good record in recent years when it comes promoting their youth level standouts into the senior team. The last person to make that jump successfully and become a regular starter for the club was Kieran Tierney. It has been almost half-a-decade since he left the club and is actually being linked with a potential return in recent times.

It is not like Celtic have a lack of talent in their youth ranks. But the pathway into the first-team just has not been clear.

Perhaps it is the fact that Celtic managers are under pressure to win almost every game, which makes it difficult for them to give consistent opportunities to youngsters. But there are other reasons as well.

Mikey Johnston is someone who was expected to become an integral part of Celtic. He showed glimpses of his quality early on as well. But injury problems meant that he quickly slipped down the pecking order and was never really able to find his way back into the team. The Republic of Ireland international is doing spectacularly on loan at West Bromwich Albion though, which has led to fresh discussion about his future.

Rangers hero urges in-form player to leave Celtic

Kenny Miller appears to believe that leaving Celtic would be best for Johnston's career. As reported by Football Scotland, the former Rangers player said:

"I get the feeling Mikey has needed this move, and to be honest, it feels like a loan move with his future in mind; I don't think it's a case of him playing to prove himself capable of getting into Celtic's first-team. I'm not sure what his contract situation looks like, but if Mikey Johnston wants to take his career on a level, I think he's got to do it away from Celtic."

Johnston has been one of the best players in the English Championship since joining West Brom on loan in the recent winter window. According to stats from Transfermarkt, he has scored 6 goals and provided 1 assist in 12 appearances for them so far.

It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Johnston. With just a year left on his contract in the summer and his transfer value most likely at its peak, do not be surprised if the club decide to part ways with him though.