Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Scotland defender admitted he had been hugely impressed by the 22-year-old in his recent substitute cameo appearances.

As quoted by the Glasgow Times (26th October), manager Ange Postecoglou delivered a positive update on Johnston following his comeback from a lengthy layoff.

He also revealed he is looking to give the winger a chance in the starting XI when he can.

Johnstone has featured as a substitute in Celtic’s last three games across all competitions.

He has not started a game since January after coming back from a serious knee injury.

Despite that, Hutton insisted Johnston had caught the eye in his recent runouts.

He suggested it is up to the young attacker to show the effort and consistency to nail down a starting role.

Asked if he thought Johnston could re-establish himself as a Celtic mainstay, Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Yeah, definitely.

“I think he’s got the talent and it’s up to him if he wants to have a future or not. We saw when he came on in the European game in midweek he was electric.

“Everything that he did came off. He had skills, he was cutting inside, getting shots off. He was an absolute livewire.

“Of course, everything is in his hands. We know he’s got the ability to be a top player, I think everybody knows that.

“It’s about being fit and being consistent, which can be difficult for wide players. That’s the level you have to give to make it at a big club like Rangers or Celtic.

“We know he’s talented, it’s up to him to go and show everybody.”

Johnston has played just 59 minutes under Postecoglou so far.

This article was originally posted here