Celtic youngster Johnston insists he can fill attacking void

Celtic teenager Mikey Johnston insists he is happy to play as a striker to ease the Hoops’ injury concerns.

Johnston scored his first-ever Celtic goal on Wednesday night, rounding off the scoring in the 3-0 win over Motherwell at Parkhead.

An injury Odsonne Edouard has left Brendan Rodgers with a shortage in attack, however, with Leigh Griffiths also unavailable currently.

In an interview with the Daily Record, Johnston said he will play wherever best suits the team, as he potentially fills the void up front:

Just as long as I’m getting games I don’t mind where I play. I just play where I’m told.

I’m just taking it day by day and trying to work hard to try to earn a place in the team

If I can get in playing striker, that’s fine. Obviously my preferred position is a winger but I can play up front if that’s where I’m asked to go.

All I can do is keep working hard in training and earn the right to play. I want to get as much game time as I can and keep learning off the older players.

I’m really happy to get my first competitive goal. I’ve been waiting a while to get it so I’m buzzing to finally get off the mark.

It’s been playing on my mind. I really needed to get that first goal out of the way so I’m just happy to have done that now.

The 19-year-old’s first goal was a proud moment on Wednesday, but Rodgers will be hoping more are to come during the festive period.

Celtic host Dundee on Saturday, visit Aberdeen on Boxing Day and then face a huge clash with Rangers at Ibrox on December 29th.