Celtic's number one Joe Hart has praised Hoops winger Mikey Johnston, calling him "very special".

The 23-year-old is currently on loan at Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimarães until the end of the season and also recently made his international debut for the Republic of Ireland.

And Hart has waxed lyrical about the forward and backs him to have a successful career.

Speaking to the Irish Mirror, he said: "Ireland are getting someone who is potentially very special.

"He has a lot of ability and the kind of qualities that can lift people off their seats. I noticed that the moment I met him, but he’s been very unlucky with injuries.

"You have to really understand football to understand what he’s been through because they’re not your average injuries.

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"People understand when you pull your hamstring and you're out for eight weeks but you come back and you're fine.

"Or if you break a leg. But Mikey had these little injuries that kept holding him back and stopped any sort of momentum and flow in his career.

"But he's very professional and is doing his best to get the best out of himself. A fully fit Mikey Johnston can impact games and he’ll get people out of their seats."

"Mikey is a throwback winger, but he’ll be the first to admit that he must produce consistency - both availability wise and how he plays.

"If he does that, then I really think he’ll be a great acquisition for anyone. Those are the things he’s working on, but football is not that simple and straightforward."

Celtic Way:

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