Peterborough United's new dad playing in a new position is loving both roles

The 24 year-old missed the Posh training camp in Spain so he could be present at the birth of his first child.

And he was converted from a full-back into a midfielder as soon as he reported back for duty.

Johnston has played in a holding midfield position for the last two friendlies against Colchester United and Boston United. He was called ‘the best player on the pitch’ at Colchester by first-team manager Luke Williams.

Johnston had played exclusively as a defender for Posh since arriving from Fleetwood Town in January, 2025. He had been out of action since picking up a calf injury at Leyton Orient last March.

“I was buzzing to become a dad,” Johnston told the Posh Plus service after the 1-0 loss at Boston on Saturday. “I did miss an important week in Spain though so I’m catching up on my minutes. I hadn’t played since March so it was good to be back.

"I did play as a midfielder all through my youth football right up until my senior career. I enjoy it as you are obviously a lot more involved in and out of possession and I find I can help the players around me by being vocal.

"We were good together in midfield at times, but not so good at other times. We needed to be better out of possession, but I will get sharper the more game time I get.

"It was tough to move the ball as quickly as we wanted to because the grass was a bit long and because it was so hot the pitch was very dry.”

It’s likely Johnston will revert to a full-back position when Posh complete their summer transfer business.

Posh are back in friendly action at League Two side York City on Tuesday. York parted company with their National League promotion-winning manager Stuart Maynard on Sunday. ‘A difference in direction and vision for the football club,’ was the official line.