MIKEY JOHNSTON believes the an eighth league title in a row remains Celtic’s to lose following his side missing out on opening up a ten-point gap over Rangers.

The 19-year-old insisted that nothing had changed after the goalless home draw with Aberdeen, as the champions retained their eight-point lead with nine Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership matches to go.

Saturday’s result and performance was disappointing; however, the view from the Parkhead dressing room was that it was business as usual ahead of the trip to Dundee and then a home derby at Parkhead after the international break.

Johnston said: “The Aberdeen game was really frustrating but it’s not too negative from our point of view because the league is still in our hands. We can’t be too down about it.

“A lot of teams do the same thing against us, sitting in, but we need to be able to break teams down and score goals.

“It’s the same sort of pressure a lot of people in the dressing room have dealt with most years, so it’s familiar for a lot of them. The league is still open but it’s in our hands, as long as we play well and don’t take anything for granted.

“Everyone is motivated to win the title, it’s huge for us.”

Johnston would have been encouraged by being sent on as a substitute by Neil Lennon on his first home game.

He was trusted by Brendan Rodgers in big games this season and wants to play a part in Celtic’s quest for history.

Johnston “I wasn’t too down (with Rodgers leaving). The old gaffer liked me and gave me opportunities, which I was really grateful for. But managers moving on is a part of football and it’s just something we have to deal with.

“I’m still young. I’m just working hard and trying to bide my time. Hopefully I will get the opportunities.

“The manager just told me to go out and do my stuff against Aberdeen, beat the full-back and try and get us a goal. He has spoken to me since he came into the club, giving me confidence, but nothing big."

Celtic captain Scott Brown admitted that Saturday had not gone to plan and his team struggled to get past the Aberdeen midfield and defence.

He said: “It was always going to be a hard match. Aberdeen always play very direct and caused us problems but we dealt with that at the back but just couldn’t create chances and put the ball in the back of the net.

“A draw was probably a fair result. It was a wee bit windier than normal but the pitch was okay so there are no excuses.

“Aberdeen have players up front who are quick, strong and aggressive in the tackle but Dedryck Boyata and Kris Ajer did well and matched up to them.”