IS A STAR ATTRACTION

BRENDAN RODGERS admits there is a scramble to sign Mikey Johnston but has yet to decide if he’ll send the Celtic youngster out on loan.

The Hoops boss has confirmed several clubs are looking to borrow the winger – with Hibs, Aberdeen and St Mirren at the front of the queue.

Record Sport revealed yesterday Johnston, 19, could be part of any deal to bring John McGinn from Hibs but Rodgers insisted he wants to keep the kid while wide men Scott Sinclair, Jonny Hayes and Lewis Morgan recover from niggling knocks.

However, he hasn’t ruled out allowing the Scotland youth star to go out.

Rodgers said: “There are a number of clubs interested.

“With Alan Stubbs we had a very good chat about Mikey and St Mirren have a good history of bringing young players through.

“There are other guys I’ve spoken to as well so we’ll see. It depends. We don’t want him to stagnate.

“He might play fewer games here but he’ll still be BY MICHAEL GANNON learning and it’s important. Mikey is a big talent. You are in the situation where, can you give the talent game time he needs?

“He’s developing well but not at this point are we thinking of letting him out. You have to be mindful there are a couple of injuries.”

Rodgers has raved about Johnston and the Hoops boss said: “He doesn’t need an injection of confidence, that’s for sure.

“He’s got a lovely arrogance when he plays. I can see a great future for him as long as he wants to learn.”

Johnston is in contention for a place in tonight’s squad to face Alashkert in the Champions League qualifier and Craig Gordon has also been passed fit.

Rodgers revealed he won’t send out a shadow side despite the 3-0 first leg lead and added: “They are now important games, we try things out in training and do lots of work but these games you have to go with the players you know, that you trust. But it’s a case of getting the job done.”