Mikey Johnston told Celtic pedigree gives him 'something different' for Ireland as Stephen Kenny confirms call-up

Stephen Kenny has said don't expect a "major impact" right away from Mikey Johnston after he was called up the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time.

The Celtic player, who is currently on loan at Vitoria in Portugal, changed allegiance to represent the Irish national team after representing Scotland at under-19 and 21 level. Johnston struggled for game time under Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou and was send on loan to play in the top flight league in Portugal. So far this season he was played in 22 games, scoring one goal.

His appearances this campaign have earned him a call-up from Kenny to play in Ireland's friendly at home against Latvia on Wednesday then in their first Euro 2024 qualifier against World Cup finalists France next weekend in Dublin. After announcing his squad Kenny heaped praise on the Glasgow-born 23-year-old winger who he said offers something different in the forward area.

Kenny said: "Mikey is someone I've been aware of for a long time. He broke on the scene very quickly at Celtic and played in four cup finals before he was 22. But he had been out injured for a year and it was a tough one for a young player to lose his rhythm like that.

"It affects your career and he's obviously seen a lot of players come in and bypass him at Celtic because they signed a lot of players when he was injured. It was a brave step to go to Portugal, it's a tough league with a lot of good teams in it.

"It's not all upward curve for Mikey. He's played 21 games this season between starts and off the bench. He has different characteristics that will add to the squad. We mustn't expect a major impact from him in this camp but it's a good introduction for him."

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