MIKEY Johnston’s wonder-strike helped the Hoops overcome FK Sarajevo in their UEFA Champions League first round qualifier on Tuesday night. The tireless 20-year-old remained modest about his own performance post-match, but was overall delighted by the team’s efforts ahead of next week’s second leg.

The 3-1 win saw the Scottish champions net three crucial away goals which Johnston hopes will be enough to progress to the next qualifying round of Europe’s top tournament.

“My goal was alright!” said Johnston. “I got a bit of space and thankfully it’s found its way in. I feel like I’m getting fitter, I felt a little tight in my thigh over the course of the game, but hopefully that isn’t anything serious.

"The boys were excellent, we dug deep and I’m delighted we managed to get the result. The game went pretty well for me, I’m feeling pretty fit, and I can hopefully continue to get opportunities and keep performing.”

On the night, Celtic conceded first before Johnston’s strike put his side back on level terms. After that, Neil Lennon’s side dominated much of the game and scored a further two in the second period.

Johnston added: “I think there was a bit of pressure on us when Sarajevo scored the opener, and they were pretty handy on the counter-attack. But I felt overall that we had a lot more quality over them, and that showed in the second-half especially.

“The pitch was tough, it was hard to play on, but that was the conditions which were in front of us. We’re quite confident going into the second leg now. Obviously we now go to Celtic Park and that’s harder for them, so hopefully we can get it finished off. Getting a goal in the first game is really good and so is getting the result we needed. To win away in Europe, whatever round, is a good result.”

Mikey Johnston: We dug deep for a great Euro result