Mikey Johnston gets green light to play for Republic of Ireland ahead of games this month

Mikey Johnston has been approved to play for the Republic of Ireland after receiving FIFA international clearance.

The Celtic winger, currently on loan at Portuguese Primeira Liga side Vitoria Guimaraes, has completed the eligibility process and is now available for selection ahead of the March international fixtures against Latvia and France.

Glasgow-born Johnston qualifies for Ireland through his grandfather, who was from Derry, and started the paperwork months ago after making Ireland manager Stephen Kenny aware of his desire to wear the green shirt.

The 23-year-old made his first-team debut in 2017 and has since gone on to win the Scottish Premiership three times with the Glasgow club, as well as two Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups.

He started in the 2019 Scottish Cup final, where Celtic claimed a 2-1 victory over Hearts, and also scored a decisive penalty in the 2020 Scottish Cup final as Celtic claimed a penalty shootout victory over the same opposition.

Johnston also has extensive European competition experience in the Champions League and Europa League, scoring against French side Rennes SC in a 3-0 win in the 2020 addition of the competition.

He has made 20 appearances in all competitions for Vitoria, scoring three goals and providing three assists.

"I'm delighted to declare for the Republic of Ireland and excited for what my future holds in an Ireland shirt," said Johnston.

"My family and I have always been proud of our Irish roots, with my grandad hailing from Derry, and to potentially now play for Ireland is something that really excites me.

"It's up to me now to impress the manager and to get selected to the squad but my focus now is to break into that squad and to make an impact for the team in a big year