Honduran international Palma was next through the door from Greek side Aris for £3.5m. Both have made an impact since signing with Yang, 21, getting the first crack of a start and four sub appearances in the opening five games of the season.
Palma’s arrival just before the close of the transfer window added the options and the 23-year-old has raised the bar having scored in each of the two Premiership matches against Motherwell and Kilmarnock prior to the international break. The experienced James Forrest is in the mix and Johnston is also fighting to prove that he is worthy of again breaking into Rodgers’ plans.
The manager is a big fan of the attacker’s talents, but also made it clear when revealing the last injury that it’s a player’s responsibility to show the quality and robustness in order to play. Rodgers sent Johnston a text message of support before his big Ireland return and the recipient is set on earning a regular line on his team sheets.
He said: “I am just working my way behind the scenes to try and get my opportunity, the manager has got tough decisions to make. He’s got wingers he’s brought in for a few million and it’s up to me to get into the team. I know what I have to do. Obviously he’s got decisions to make, but ultimately, it’s up to me. I think it’s always tough when you miss pre-season, but I’ve definitely done well in training and I know I’m good enough to play, I just need the opportunity.”
Johnston has patiently worked his way back to fitness as he explained: “I must have had it the last 10 games of the season, my back was feeling a bit sore, we scanned it at the end of the year and we found a stress fracture. I think you’re better safe than sorry with them, take a couple of months out and get it right instead of making it worse. I’ve just been back over a month, getting my fitness, there is only so much you can get from training.”
Under-fire Ireland boss Stephen Kenny handed that valuable game-time and Johnston repaid him with his goal in the 4-0 win in Faro. He said: “I didn’t expect to start, but the gaffer has put a lot of trust in me. It was my first start this season, so I was feeling a bit rusty. I needed to get on the scoresheet and I’m glad I did. We were talking all week about getting in the back post for crosses and attacking and I got my rewards.”
With Abada recovering from a quad injury and Maeda having missed Japan’s double-header against Canada and Tunisia, Palma looks in pole position for another start when domestic work begins again for Celtic against Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday. The 23-year-old received a hero’s welcome when returning to Honduras to play for his country against Cuba with the nation having also been captivated by his Champions League efforts.
Palma started the group opener against Feyenoord before appearing as a sub against Lazio and having a strike ruled out by VAR for offside. Despite the attention, he’s keeping his feet firmly on the ground after a 4-0 international win and said: “I left very happy, happy with the team’s actions, you live off of that. I tried to help with the victory.
“I work day by day to give my best as a footballer. The World Cup and the Copa America are focused on my mind. I can say that I have tried the fruits of the Champions League and there are four games left (in the group).
“I would like to beat Atletico Madrid. I admire Cholo (Diego) Simeone’s football, so it will be a difficult match, but we will do our best to win. There are those who bring me down from the clouds, so, I try to be the same person, be calm, maintain the humility that I have always had.
“They say I have risen in fame with respect, but I am the same as always, that It will always characterise me, being the same person with my friends and the people I know.”
