One of Ireland's brightest stars, Mikey Johnston, has admitted that his family are 'delighted' he decided to declare for Stephen Kenny's side.
A Scotland international up to U21 level, the Glaswegian made the switch to the Boys in Green in March after receiving international clearance. The Celtic player came off the bench in the 3-2 friendly against Latvia and impressed on the wing.
Days later, Johnston was part of Ireland's squad in the 1-0 defeat to World Cup finalists France.
Fans of the national team were impressed with Johnston's cameos in March, and some have even compared the 24-year-old to former Ireland player Aiden McGeady.
A Glaswegian by birth, with impressive wide skills, who played/plays for Celtic and decided to switch to Ireland, it's fair to say the comparisons aren't far off.
The ironic thing about the situation is that Johnston admitted he had been in contact with his 'hero' McGeady a few weeks ago.
Mikey Johnston! ✨🟢
The on-loan Celtic winger with some dazzling footwork to create an opportunity for himself, but his effort is blocked by a Latvian defender 🕺 pic.twitter.com/gLrOgSULzT— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 22, 2023
"My mate is at Hibs with him, and just a few weeks ago, he sent over a top and put 'all the best, Mikey'," said Johnston to the media in Turkey.
"It’s a McGeady 7 top, so I was buzzing to get that, as he was sort of my hero when I was younger.
Despite how quickly his Ireland experience has gone, Johnston has no regrets about his decision to swap Scotland for Ireland this year. Speaking about his debut against Latvia, Johnston added, "It's been a good start."
"On my debut, I wanted to make an impact, and I feel like I did that. I've always wanted to excite fans and get people off their seats, and that night, judging by the reaction, I think I did.
"I've been welcomed into the squad with open arms, and it's been brilliant so far."
"My mother's side is in Derry, and my father's side is in Donegal. I have family all over Ireland, and everyone is delighted to see me playing for Ireland.
"There were about ten people over for the Latvia game, all there for my debut, so they are really supportive of the decision I made, and I'm happy with the decision."
Republic of Ireland Squad - Greece & Gibraltar:
Goalkeepers: Gavin Bazunu (Southampton), Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth)
Defenders: Matt Doherty (Atlético Madrid), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Callum O'Dowda (Cardiff City), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Nathan Collins (Wolverhampton Wanderers), John Egan (Sheffield United), Dara O'Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Darragh Lenihan (Middlesbrough), Liam Scales (Celtic)
Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Jeff Hendrick (Reading), Alan Browne (Preston North End), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Jason Knight (Derby County), Jamie McGrath (Wigan Athletic), Jack Taylor (Peterborough United)
Forwards: Adam Idah (Norwich City), Michael Obafemi (Burnley), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur), Mikey Johnston (Vitória de Guimarães, on loan from Celtic)
UEFA EURO 2024 - Fixtures:
16/06 - Greece v Ireland, OPAP Arena, 7.45pm (21.45pm local time)
19/06 - Ireland v Gibraltar, Aviva Stadium, 7.45pm
