‘To be honest’… Celtic January departure says Brendan Rodgers wanted to keep him at Parkhead

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has a slightly reduced squad to work with for the second half of the campaign after managing to shift some fringe players off the books in January.

Hyeokkyu Kwon, Marco Tilio and Mikey Johnston have all gone on loan to various destinations, with all three having a desired impact in their new environments.

Adam Montgomery was farmed out to Motherwell on a similar basis; however, he returned to Parkhead soon after due to suffering a serious hamstring injury.

Yosuke Ideguchi and David Turnbull left the building on permanent arrangements, providing a small boost to the coffers for the Bhoys during the window.

Speaking in late January, Rodgers gave an insight into why some of his players may have been offloaded, endorsing the idea of creating space for youth prospects to have a pathway to the first-team.

The Irishman stated: “Everyone talks about signings and bringing people in, and I always say that you might have someone within your academy, but you need to have the space for those players to flourish and develop.”

For whatever reason, some men struggle to take their chance at Parkhead; nevertheless, the mid-season market can offer an escape route temporarily that, in turn, can help to increase their confidence.

Celtic loanee Mikey Johnston makes revelation about his move

Republic of Ireland international Johnston has made an impact in his spell on loan at West Bromwich Albion, scoring twice in his opening six appearances [Transfermarkt].

The 24-year-old has now shed light on his departure, indicating that Rodgers would’ve kept him around at Parkhead if it was ‘up to him’ to decide.

Johnston stated [Football Scotland]: “I think [Rodgers] probably would have kept me if it was up to him. But I think we had nine wingers at the end so I think it would have been harsh had they made me stay.

“He was great with me to be honest with you and I think he wants the best for me so obviously coming here was that. I would have loved to be starting every week at Celtic but this is another massive club I have come to so it does not feel like a step down.

“I am obviously playing in a good league as well and it is important for my career. I am here now and I just want to make an impact and cross that bridge when I come to it. I want to make an impact and help the team get to the play-offs.”

Truthfully, the Lennoxtown graduate was a bit part player under Rodgers over the first half of 2023/24, notching two goals and a couple of assists in 12 outings.

Moving to the West Midlands has given Johnston a shot in the arm, and hopefully, he continue to play football with a smile on his face at West Midlands.

Either way, whether Rodgers did want to keep Johnston around or not, his loan switch appears to be a smart decision for both parties.