By Football Insider speaking to Jackie McNamara

2nd Jan, 2020 | 8:45pm

Exclusive: McNamara believes Celtic attacker handed massive boost after official announcement

Jackie McNamara revealed that he believes Celtic attacker Mikey Johnston has been handed a massive boost with the club handing him such a lengthy contract.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Laura O’Leary, the ex-Hoops defender claimed Johnston had a bright future ahead of him and dubbed him a “talent.”

The Hoops officially announced, ahead of the 2-1 loss to Rangers, that the 20-year-old winger had signed a new five-year contract.

McNamara heaped praise on Johnston before admitting that the promising talent likely would have learnt from his latest performance against the Gers.

When asked if Celtic handing Johnston a long-term deal is a massive boost for him as it’s surely Lennon’s way of saying you’re a big part of the future, McNamara told Football Insider: “Yeah, and the lad has a bright future ahead of him.

“He’s 20-years-old, he is a talent, he’s come in and looks like he has good feet and looks like he is going to be a good player in the future.

“And he’ll learn from Sunday’s game (the loss to Rangers).”

The 20-year-old started the loss to Rangers but was subbed off around the 68th minute with Neil Lennon opting to bring on Nir Bitton in his place.

Johnston has featured a total of 18 times this season, scoring six goals and registering five assists in the process.

The young winger has made a total of 45 appearances for the club and has scored 11 goals as well as register seven assists in the process.

In other Celtic news, Paul Robinson heaped praise on Hoops first-teamer after hearing ‘Unbelievable’ stat.