Johnston: 'People expected me to do more and I expected more of myself'

Not that Paradise has become hell for Johnston but just not the haven of happiness that was mapped out when he enthralled crowds with those pre-pandemic jinking dribbles.

BUILDING BLOCKS: Mikey Johnston during a Republic of Ireland press conference. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Denzel Dumfries gave Ireland the runaround in September but the Dutch star was once subjected to a similar experience himself by Mikey Johnston.

This time five years ago, an 18-year-old Johnston was the standout of Scotland’s U21 team who recorded Double Dutch in their Euro campaign.