Celtic winger Mikey Johnston has decided to switch his international allegiance to Ireland, according to reports.

The Parkhead youth graduate is reportedly in the process of switching to represent Ireland at international level.

Johnston, 23, is currently on loan at Vitoria Guimaraes in Portugal and had previously played for the Scotland youth sides at under-19 and under-21 age groups.

However, the Independent reports Johnston has chosen to represent Ireland - who he qualifies for through his grandparents being from Derry.

It's claimed Johnston has been in talks with national team boss Stephen Kenny throughout the winter months with FIFA clearance expected in the imminent future.

The international allegiance switch could even come through quick enough for Johnston to have a shot at a call-up for matches later this month.

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Ireland first face Latvia on March 22 in a friendly before taking on France in UEFA European Championships 2024 qualifying.

Ange Postecoglou had included Johnston in pre-season at Celtic before his loan switch to Portugal.

Johnston has played 17 times for Vitoria so far this term but was an unused sub for his loan side on Monday when Kenny reportedly made the trip to watch the winger.

Postecoglou previously explained that a loan move could bring the best out of Johnston - who he branded "a talented footballer".

Ahead of his temporary Parkhead exit, Postecoglou said of Johnston: "Potentially, we are working with Mikey on that and I think with him there is definitely a talented footballer there but sometimes you just need a different environment to help that happen and I just think for him and his career some time away playing in a different environment, enjoying his football and bringing out all the potential we know he has might suit him.

"He has been unlucky with injuries but the good thing is during this pre-season he has been great. He has not missed a session and he has done everything.

"Part of my responsibility is to develop younger players or ones that have yet to establish themselves and the decision as to whether they get enough game time here or it is better to look elsewhere.

"With Mikey, my view is that we are working hard with him to try and see if we can facilitate something like that happening."