West Bromwich Albion are set to bolster their attack with the signing of Mikey Johnston on a loan from the Scottish Premiership.
The 24-year-old has struggled for minutes at Celtic this season and former Leicester City boss Brendan Rogers is keen to see the winger get more game time under his belt. Racking up a total of 12 appearances this season, Johnston has scored twice for his boyhood club with both coming in a Boxing Day win over Dundee FC.
Albion are in search of more cover in their wide areas and Carlos Corberan’s side have already bolstered their depth this window after signing Andreas Weimann from Bristol City and Callum Marshall on loan.
The Irish international can play on both wings but mainly operates on the left-hand side for The Bhoys. Johnston spent last season abroad, featuring 31 times for Portuguese Primeira Liga side Vitoria de Guimaraes, scoring three times.
Lewis Cox of The Express and Star reported last week that The Baggies were interested in the winger’s services last week, and has since added that the 24-year-old has already completed his medical this morning.
Squad depth has become an issue in recent weeks for The Hawthorns club after losing Jeremy Sarmiento to a recall by parent club Brighton and Hove Albion, as well as Grady Diangana’s absence due to the African Cup of Nations.
West Brom are still seeking further deals ahead of the 11pm deadline tonight due to the injury to Johnston’s compatriot Jayson Molumby, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season after surgery. The Baggies are currently in the middle of the Championship play-off battle and are in fifth place ahead of a Midlands derby against Birmingham City on Saturday afternoon.
Writer’s View
Mikey Johnston is highly regarded by the staff at Celtic, so a loan to increase his experience and playing time will benefit the Glasgow club going forward. West Bromwich Albion’s depth up front has become razor thin this window due to injuries and recalls, so Carlos Corberan has focused on resolving that, and the three players he has signed will offer just what he needs. However, The Baggies definitely need to focus on a midfield signing before the window shuts to see them through the rest of the fixture list.
The winger will be able to get his first taste of English football with this move and test himself in a very competitive promotion battle in the coming months. Fellow Hoops winger
Sead Haksabanovic has adapted reasonably well to the league at Stoke City this season and there is no reason why The Irish international couldn’t do the same. He will have his work cut out to put himself ahead of his new teammates Adam Reach and Grady Diangana over the rest of the season.
