Celtic winger Mikey Johnston receive Fifa clearance to play for Ireland

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Celtic winger Mikey Johnston has received international clearance to play for the Republic of Ireland after switching allegiance from his birthplace, Scotland.

The 23-year-old, who is currently on loan in the Portuguese Primeira Liga with Vitória Guimaraes, will be available for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifier at home to France.

Stephen Kenny’s side face Latvia in a friendly at the Aviva Stadium before hosting the World Cup finalists at the Dublin 4 venue on Monday, March 27.

And the Ireland manager will have Johnston - who represented Scotland up to under-21 level but has long harboured ambitions of playing for the Boys in Green - in tow.

Glasgow-born Johnston - whose grandfather hails from Derry - made his breakthrough with boyhood club Celtic at the age of 18.

The tricky winger scored his first goal for the Bhoys against Motherwell the following year but found his progress halted by a series of injuries.

He was loaned out to Guimaraes after signing a new deal ahead of the 2022-23 season and has scored three goals in 21 games for Moreno’s side.

"I'm delighted to declare for the Republic of Ireland and excited for what my future holds in an Ireland shirt," said Mikey Johnston.

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

"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 the 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."

Ireland boss Kenny added: "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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