OPINION
Michael Johnston must spend the forthcoming season away from Celtic.
The boyhood Hoops fan is living the dream at the club he has followed his entire life after graduating from the youth ranks into the senior squad.
Johnston has the potential to make it as a Celtic first teamer but he is currently too raw to challenge fellow wide forwards James Forrest, Scott Sinclair, Jonny Hayes and Lewis Morgan for a starting place.
The Scotland Under-21 international should go out on loan at a Scottish Premiership club where he can be expected to play regularly and develop his game.
The Scottish Sun report a temporary move to St Mirren is on the cards after Brendan Rodgers spent the past week in talks with their new manager Alan Stubbs over a deal.
That would be perfect for Johnston, who has the potential to make a similar impact to the older Morgan, who thrived at the Paisley outfit last season.
The wide man is fully fit again after making just four appearances last season due to a thigh injury that halted his charge to the first team.
He seized on his opportunity in Saturday’s friendly against Standard Liege – scoring with a sublime finish in the 4-1 win – and knows he has a big 12 months ahead of him after turning 19 and landing a deal until 2020.
Johnston’s heart is set on cracking it at Celtic like home grown stars Kieran Tierney, Callum McGregor and Forrest.
A move to St Mirren could be just the ticket at this stage of his development.