Mikey Johnston discussed Ireland switch with James McCarthy before 'tough' decision

“It was on the cards for years but a decision I didn’t take lightly," said the 24-year-old.

JINKY JOHNSTON: Mikey Johnston in action against Latvia. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Ireland’s latest recruit, Mikey Johnston, has revealed he spoke to James McCarthy before deciding to emulate his fellow Glaswegian’s switch to Ireland.

The 24-year-old, who has helped Vitória Guimarães qualify for Europe next season on his loan spell in Portugal from Celtic, won his first couple of senior caps off the bench in the March internationals against Latvia and France at Lansdowne Road.