Mikey Johnston is attracting attention for his goal contributions on loan from Celtic at West Bromwich Albion but there could longer-term benefits of his switch to England.
Johnston has netted six goals in ten matches for the Baggies following his winter transfer window move, receiving plaudits from pundits, teammates and his manager.
The winger is increasing his reputation and value with Celtic set to assess his situation when he returns to the Bhoys at the end of the season.
West Brom boss Carlos Corberan is, of course, delighted to see him contributing in the final third but reckons there is even more to come from him due to his increasing stamina.
Mikey Johnston needs to become a 90-minute player
Johnston completed his first 90 minutes of the season against Bristol City last week and the Spanish manager is adamant this is crucial to Johnston hitting another level.
He said [Birmingham Mail, 22/03 print edition, page 53]: “It was a long time since he last played a full game. It’s important for him to keep growing as a player, physically and in every aspect of the game. You cannot only evaluate players from goals and assists.
“In general his contribution is always important but he understands very well the fact he is one winger who players wide and inside, even on the right, and to finish attacks, to finish collective actions, to help collective actions or finish an individual action. To have players at this level is very important to win games.
“It is always important as a player to break the limit of their minutes, to extend the minutes, that helps you be more ready to repeat those minutes or play with more intensity if you play less minutes. That’s why it’s a positive step. Hopefully, he comes back fit and ready to keep showing what he is doing after the international call he has very well deserved.”
If Johnston is to have a Celtic future, or even a future at a top level elsewhere, he must become that 90-minute player that Corberan is talking about.
The winger has only managed to play a full game with the Bhoys on a handful of occasions and a run of consistent full-length matches at West Brom would be pleasing to now see in the closing stages of the season.
Johnston has shown on loan he has significant talent and ability to impact matches – now he must round out his game and become a complete performer.
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