West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan has heaped praise on Celtic loanee Mikey Johnston after the winger scored two goals at the weekend in a 4-1 win over Huddersfield Town.
The Irish international arrived in January and has scored six goals in just nine games since making his first appearance. It’s an extraordinary return that has not gone unnoticed by his teammates and his manager. Centre-back Kyle Bartley, who also scored in the win over Huddersfield, commended the on-loan star in his post-match interview.
“I said to him that in the first half, his twin brother must have been playing because, like all of us, he wasn’t quite at it in that first half, he is absolutely on fire at the moment and he just has to try and keep that going.”
Johnston came to West Brom off the back of a disappointing campaign under Brendan Rodgers at Celtic, where he failed to make the impact the Northern Irish manager desired from him. During an interview in December, Rodgers stated that the 24-year-old needed to do more to warrant a place in the starting eleven [quotes via the Daily Record]:
“Mikey needs to do more, that is the reality. He has big talent and comes into the game but if you are going to start the game, we need more impact from him”.
Baggies manager Corberan, on the other hand, had nothing but praise for the talismanic Irishman in his interview at the weekend. The Spanish head coach believes the loanee is utilising his time at the club well, and he has tipped him to go on to have an important career in the game [quotes via the Express & Star]:
“Johnston is one player who is very special for us because he has the skill to help the team in building attacks and the skill to help in finishing of attacks. His goal contribution has been excellent so far and that’s why he will keep growing and have an important career because he is using the loan well.”
West Brom are currently fifth in the Championship, five points clear of Hull City, who sit outside the play-off places. Johnston will be looking to keep his impressive scoring run going at the weekend as his side face Bristol City at The Hawthorns.
Writer’s View
Johnston has proven his class during his loan spell at West Brom this season, which could potentially give Brendan Rodgers a decision to make this summer when he returns to his parent club. His goals have come at a great time for the Baggies, as they look to solidify their hunt for a playoff spot by the end of the campaign.
He is already the club’s fourth-highest goal scorer in the league this season, and he needs just four more to move ahead of the current leader Brandon Thomas-Asante who has bagged just 10 goals.
