Duff is Lennon’s secret weapon as Johnston and Forrest flourish
Damien Duff has been hailed as the driving force behind Mikey Johnston’s breakthrough at Celtic
The Scotland Under-21 winger has been a revelation for the Hoops this season, with his pace and trickery a key factor in Thursday night’s Europa League win over AIK Stockholm.
That has delighted manager Neil Lennon, who promoted him to the first team and has watched him flourish under the tutelage of Irish legend, Duff.
“Mikey is playing brilliantly. I am really happy with his progress and the start he has made to the season,” said Lennon.
“Teams are doubling up on him at times now, and that’s a real compliment to any player.
“Damien works with him most days, which has been impressive to watch because he had a great playing career himself.
“They go over clips of the games together, and Damien is quite tough on Mikey because he tells him what he could be doing better.
“It is not all one-way. He also praises him about what he has done well.
“The important thing is that Mikey responds in the right way, which he always does.
“The challenge we threw to him was that he would have to look to make an impact in the big games.
“He started in the cup final, he started at Ibrox and he has started in Europe. So we have shown a lot of faith in him.
“He has always done OK, but we are conscious he is at the embryonic stage of his career.
“He is still finding his experience at this level, and developing his physicality as well.
“There is a lot more still to come from him.”
As much as the mentoring from Duff is playing a big part in the development of the Academy kid for Celtic – and quite possibly Scotland – Lennon says ultimately much of the responsibility for shaping what type of player he will be is on Johnston himself.
“Being a winger is a specialised position. I think you have to give them carte blanche by letting them make the decisions,” said the Hoops boss.
“With James Forrest, basically, we told him that when in the final third, be direct, get at people – and he’s having a stellar career.
“He is so humble and quiet but on the pitch he terrorises people. He wants to hurt people, and is a great finisher.
“There will be days when he’s not at his best, but they are few and far between.
“James came through a rough period, bounced back, and the last three years has seen him playing some terrific football.
“Mikey is at a different stage because he is still so young and inexperienced. So it is great for him to get these little titbits from Damien.
“Not just to tell him what he could be doing better, but to reinforce what he is doing well. That is important.”
Inevitably, Johnston’s emergence has squeezed opportunities for others.
It was significant Scott Sinclair, whose recruitment helped usher in Celtic’s great success in Brendan Rodgers’ first season at Celtic Park, didn’t even make the squad of 18 for the tie against AIK.
“It has been difficult for Scott because we have a lot of options on the wings,” admitted Lennon.
“Our wide men have been playing so well, and we’ve been scoring goals and have good pace in the team.
“It’s understandable (if Sinclair feels put out). We don’t want to treat him badly because he’s a senior pro.
“It’s just that he’s finding it difficult right now to get into the squad.
“I can’t pick six wingers.”