Big nights under the floodlights aren’t a new thing for Celtic’s Mikey Johnston. It’s just that the 19-year-old would rather his vantage point was slightly different. Johnston was a ballboy back in 2012 when Celtic beat Barcelona – the Tony Watt night – but this is the season where the Scotland under-21 internationalist fancies that it’s his turn for a shot in the limelight.

“I was in first year at secondary school – KT was doing it as well that night. It was usually the older boys who were picked so I was usually left out but I was buzzing when I got that game,” smiled Johnston. “I wasn’t picked up by the cameras that night but I did see myself on TV when we played Juventus! It’s a dream to have gone from that to now scoring at Parkhead.”

He might find there is more regular exposure on the way. Certainly, there’s a compelling argument to suggest he is in the right place. Brendan Rodgers has coaxed the best out of a number of the burgeoning talents at Celtic since his arrival and on recent evidence Johnston’s quick feet, pace and trickery could all find a home somewhere in Celtic’s first-team squad this term.

The teenager missed a chunk of last term with a thigh injury but he was one who caught the eye in the run-out game against the Republic of Ireland for Scott Brown’s testimonial the day after the Scottish Cup final. He was visible again at the Toulon tournament this summer with Scott Gemmell’s Scotland under-21 side, netting a fine goal in a defeat to England and finding himself named in the best XI by the competition organisers.

On Saturday afternoon as Celtic eased to an impressive win over a Standard Liege side who were made to look considerably off the pace, Johnston’s second half contribution was impressive. His chipped goal that was Celtic ‘s fourth of the day was his first ever at Celtic Park but if his potential is to be realised then this is the season where you would expect that there is genuine involvement in first-team football.

“I’m a Celtic fan so I want to be here as long as possible and break into the first team,” said Johnston. “If this isn’t my year then I’ll need to go somewhere else to play. I’ll see what the gaffer thinks. But I train every day with guys who came through the ranks – players like Kieran Tierney, Callum McGregor and James Forrest – and they’re always giving me advice. They’ve been in exactly the same position as I’m in now so you need to learn from them.”

Celtic will close out their UEFA Champions League first-round qualifier against Alashkert this Wednesday night before moving onto the next hurdle that stands in their way of rubbing shoulders again with Europe’s elite. Given the commanding 3-0 from the opening leg it could be that there is space for one or two fringe players to be given a chance to state their claim for regular inclusion.

“I’m working hard in the gym so I can get myself as ready as I can be,” said Johnston. “Diet comes into that as well. I need to have a couple of protein shakes every day, after training sessions and going to the gym. They should help to bulk me up a bit. I still stay at home and my mum looks after what I eat, which is just as well because I can’t cook – I’ve no plans to move out because I get so much done for me.”

While Johnston’s contribution was notable on Saturday he was not the only one who would have taken some satisfaction from his performance. The opening period shone a light upon the current incumbents of first-team jerseys who all showed an appetite for the game that seemed to belie the lowly status of the contest. Callum McGregor and Odsonne Edouard were excellent in that first 45 minutes, as was Moussa Dembele who seemed to cover every inch of Celtic’s slick new surface.

At one stage Dembele volleyed an effort off his own line but he also claimed a goal himself and would have had another had it not been for the woodwork while the impressive McGregor appears ready to pick up from where he left off. He added Celtic’s third of the afternoon when he ghosted in behind the sleepy Liege defence to collect a perfectly weighted pass from Olivier Ntcham and slide the ball into the net.

There is a source of intrigue now as to whether Rodgers seeks to marry the talents of the two Frenchman to offer a two-pronged attack, a decision that would deviate from the system that he has utilised in his opening two seasons at Celtic.

Edouard, Celtic’s club record signing, carried menace throughout. His opening goal was a delight with a delicately curled shot from the far corner of the penalty box into the top corner of the net. Having netted his first European goal for the club against Alashkert last week, all the signs are there that the 20-year-old is ready to kick on again this season.

It will be interesting to note just how he dovetails alongside Dembele over the next few weeks. Certainly, though, the potency of Celtic’s frontline is obvious ahead of a new campaign getting underway. Leigh Griffiths remains sidelined for another fortnight at least but it is not just the addition of another proven striker that will offer some consternation for those looking to knock the Parkhead side off their perch but the appetite and desire that appears to be at the forefront of their approach.