Fitness tip has Mikey flying for new season
Mikey Johnston says hiring his own personal fitness trainer for the summer has put him in the perfect shape for the start of Celtic’s European campaign.
The Hoops kick off their quest to reach the Champions League group stages on Tuesday when they take on FK Sarajevo in Bosnia in the first leg of the club’s first round qualifying tie.
Pra i s e d for the quality of his performances in the training games in Austria and Switzerland, in one of which he wore the captain’s armband, Scotland- U21 internationalist Johnston is in line to feature.
He credits that to the efforts of Hugh Watson, a specialist multi- sports and rehabilitation coach who numbers Shaun Maloney among his clients.
“It was Shaun ( Johnston’s former U-20 coach at Celtic, now assistant manager of Belgium) who recommended him because he had used him a lot personally when he was here.
“It was good advice, too, because after working really hard with him over the summer, I came back in flying, feeling really fit.
“I was away on holiday doing stuff every day, and then I met him when I was back for a couple of sessions.
“At a club like this, you don’t get much of a break and that’s what everyone has to do. You’re into big games right away.
“We have a European game already, so you need to be ready.”
Though still only 20 years old, the Scot already boasts experience of continental action.
“I played in some big games last year,” he said.
“I got a run-out against Valencia in the Mestalla, came on as a substitute against Rosenborg and started both games against Suduva.
“So that involvement will hopefully hold me in good stead for this season, not forgetting all the European games I’ve played at youth level.
“Since we have been back we have been working towards the Sarajevo game tactically, working on our shape and I would say the preparation has been good so far.
“The way we always play is looking to impose ourselves on the opposition and I don’t imagine it will be any different in this one.”