Johnston told to quit Celtic by McAvennie after new twist
Frank McAvennie has suggested Mikey Johnston should leave Celtic as he is going to struggle for game time next season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Hoops striker said there is too much competition in the midfield area for Johnston to be a consistent starter, despite his talent.
According to Ange Postecoglou, speaking to Football London (12 July), the 23-year-old could use preseason to prove himself to the manager and find a place in the starting 11, despite the competition.
Postecoglou insisted that Johnston will need to stay injury-free to maximise his chances with the Parkhead club.
The Scotland youth international has three years left on his contract with the Scottish champions.
When asked if he thought it was time for the midfielder to move on, McAvennie told Football Insider: “He’s been there for a while and he’s had chance after chance.
“There’s no doubting his ability, for me his biggest problem is knowing when to pass and when to keep the ball, but he’s got the ability.
“I think, the way the situation is at the moment, it’s unfortunate. He’s going to be left out because there’s so many midfield players. The manager will tell him he won’t be playing but if he can push and fight for a place and push other players out then do that.
“If I was him I’d want to play more games, I’d want more game time and if I’m not getting it at Celtic I’d want to play somewhere else.
“You’re training all week you want to play at the weekend. I’m only saying that because he has talent, he’s obviously not doing enough to be in the team. He’s [Postecoglou] just brought in another two midfield players, so there’s loads of midfielder players so it will be hard for Mikey but I think he’s a great talent.
“He’s too good to sit on the bench, or in the stand.“
In other news, a pundit has suggested Celtic will only wait a few more weeks for ‘top choice’ Vinicius Souza after journalist’s update.