Lee McCulloch has revealed Hearts attempted to sign Mikey Johnston from Celtic.

The former Tynecastle coach explained a move was made to try and land the winger as he struggled for game time at Parkhead.

However, the loan offer was a non-starter with Johnston preferring to remain at Parkhead.

Further. the winger - now a Republic of Ireland international - did not want to join another Scottish club should he leave Celtic.

On PLZ Soccer, McCulloch explained: “We tried to get Mikey Johnston at Hearts and Mikey Johnston didn’t want to leave Celtic.

“But then if he did leave Celtic he didn’t want to go to another team in Scotland."

McCulloch - who was at Hearts alongside Robbie Neilson - revealed the Johnston approach after a discussion on Hibs attempting to sign the winger on a temporary deal.

Johnston - who came through the Celtic youth academy - is still under contract at Parkhead until the summer of 2026.

The winger is currently on loan in the Championship at West Bromwich Albion where he is enjoying a superb run of form.

Since his move down south on loan, Johnston has scored seven goals and provided one assists for West Brom.

READ MORE: Aberdeen vs Celtic referee & VAR confirmed for cup semi

He has been a near-constant in Carlos Corberán's starting line-up with 11 starts and four appearances from the bench.

Brendan Rodgers hailed Johnston as one of the best talents to come out of the Celtic youth set-up and suggested he could have a future in Glasgow after the summer.

"In terms of Mikey, shifting onto him, I’m absolutely delighted for him, because he’s a young player that I always said I rated highly.

"It’s been a challenge for him the past couple of years with injuries and having to go out on loan to play.

"The first six months of his time here l, I said to him ‘Just prove that you’re fit and have the fitness level to sustain and train every day and be able to be available for games.’

"In fairness to him, he did that, and by the end, he was contributing for us. He really needed games, he’s 24 years of age and needed to get out and play. What he’s shown and demonstrated is no surprise.

"I said it before, he’s one of the best talents to come out of the academy. He’s quick, he’s direct and he can score goals. For him to go there and get that award - with some outstanding players in the Championship - it shows you how well he’s done.

"Hopefully, he can continue with that and come back to here in the summer and be really energised again and full of confidence and be ready to make an impact."