Mikey Johnston on France watch list as Celtic star catches the eye of World Cup winner

In-form Mikey Johnston has been namechecked by France boss Didier Deschamps ahead of their EURO 2024 qualifier on Monday.

The World Cup winner insists he's fully aware of the capabilities of Stephen Kenny's side and hughlighted Celtic loanee Johnston and Brighton goal machine Evan Ferguson for special attention as Les Bleus touch down in Dublin days after wiping the floor with the Netherlands. And it's all respect from France as they aim to continue their hot streak since losing an epic Qatar against Argentina.

Deschamps said: “There is a new generation with new players, Ferguson poses a threat – he is a good player, Johnston as well has joined the team, it is a mix of young and experience. But our team is different too. Ireland are known for being direct and vertical in how they play but of what I’ve seen in recent games they are capable of playing the ball along the ground as well.”

And Kylian Mbappe was effusive in his praise of the side they will face in front of a passionate Dublin crowd as Kenny's men dare to dream of a result for the ages.

The world superstar said: "He's a good striker, an important striker for that team. "We've seen some clips about him, of course," added the 24-year-old Paris St Germain star, who scored three goals in December's World Cup final.

"But we hope tomorrow he's going to do nothing and that means we are going to win and we're going to do our job. But he is a good player."

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