Celtic winger Mikey Johnston has opened up on his reasons for choosing to represent the Republic of Ireland at international level after featuring for Scotland at several youth age groups.

Glasgow-born Johnston came through the ranks at Lennoxtown to make 80 first-team appearances in the green and white and has lifted the Scottish Premiership three times as well as the Scottish Cup and the League Cup twice apiece.

With several well-publicised injuries interrupting his progress, as well as the signings of the likes of Jota, Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada, the 23-year-old was allowed to depart on loan for this season.

He has featured 21 times for Portugueuse top-flight club Vitoria Guimaraes and scored three goals as the Conquistadores attempt to secure European football for next term.

Now the winger is in line for a switch of another kind after gaining FIFA clearance to turn out for Stephen Kenny's Ireland side.

Johnston says the decision to change international allegiance had an emotional pull as well as a footballing one.

“Myself and my family have always been proud of our Irish roots, with my grandad hailing from Derry," he said. "To potentially now play for Ireland is something that really excites me.

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“I’m delighted to declare for the Republic of Ireland and excited for what my future holds in an Ireland shirt.

“It’s up to me now to impress the manager and to get selected to the squad, but my focus now is to break into that squad and to make an impact for the team in a big year for the team.

“I’ve always watched Ireland matches and the atmosphere always looks incredible. I can’t wait to play at the Aviva Stadium and hopefully create some great moments for the team.”

Kenny, whose side take on Latvia in a friendly on March 22 and before a Euro 2024 qualifier against France five days later, said: “Mikey is an exciting player, a great individual talent and we’re delighted to see him declare for the Republic of Ireland.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him play at the Aviva Stadium, dribbling in the way that he can and we look forward to helping him fulfil his potential in an Ireland shirt.”

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