He returned to the Cavan senior football panel in time for the 2016 Dr McKenna Cup.
[5][6] Johnston was granted his transfer in summer 2012, making a symbolic "cameo" appearance in a hurling match for Coill Dubh.
[7] He struck back at criticism, asserting he wants to play football and live a quiet life in the country.
[7] Martin Breheny later compared the fuss over Johnston's transfer with the lack of fuss over Ireland rugby out-half Johnny Sexton's transfer abroad; Sexton left Ireland for Racing Métro of Paris.
The substitution was regarded by many as a genius managerial move by McGeeney whose team were only winning by 16 points at the time.