Mikey’s just the man for Saints
Gaffer targets Celt as he strengthens squad
St Mirren are hopeful of landing hotly-tipped Celtic and Scotland prospect Mikey Johnston on a season-long loan deal.
Alan Stubbs is keen to snap up the Under-21 star as he bids to add to his squad ahead of the league campaign kicking off next month.
The two sides are in discussions as they bid to thrash out a deal to send Johnston to Paisley.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is believed to be keen to send Johnston out on loan in a bid to get first team experience under his belt.
It is understood that a host of clubs are interested in the 19-year-old’s signature.
However, the Buddies boss is the frontrunner to land his man, having enjoyed a good relationship with the Parkhead side manager while he was at Hibs.
Stubbs has made no secret of the fact that he is keen to strengthen his Saints squad.
Speaking following their 0-0 draw with Kilmarnock on Friday night, the gaffer revealed that he was hopefully of tying up a host of new signings over the course of this week.
He said: “We are going to need at least another four players – maybe five.
“I would like to bring a striker in, another midfield player anda couple of wide players too, so we will see.
“Hopefully, we are going to be busy, and hopefully it is early on instead of towards the end of the window.”
Johnston was on the scoresheet on Saturday as Celtic ran out 4-1 winners against Belgian giants Standard Liege in a friendly.
However, ironically the arrival of former St Mirren winger Lewis Morgan has potentially put the buffers on Johnston breaking into the Parkhead first team this season.
He is highly rated by the Celtic Park backroom staff, with any loan deal viewed as aiding his progress.
Johnston also shone on the international stage this summer after netting a sensational solo strike at the Toulon Tournament in France.
I would like to bring a striker in, another midfield player and a couple of wide players too, so we will see Alan Stubbs