Celtic loanee continues to earn high praise from his new manager who thinks he’s ‘very special’

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Celtic have a plethora of talent out on loan elsewhere who will be aiming to impress Brendan Rodgers ahead of returning in time for pre-season.

In January, Rodgers made a point of trimming his squad, allowing the likes of David Turnbull, Yosuke Ideguchi and Nat Phillips to leave Parkhead on a permanent basis.

Loan exits have also become the norm, with Hyeokkyu Kwon, Marco Tilio, and Mikey Johnston standing among those farmed out to alternative environments for the remainder of the season.

Out of the trio, Republic of Ireland international Johnston has made the most notable impact, registering six goals and a solitary assist in nine appearances for West Bromwich Albion [Transfermarkt].

Yesterday, the 24-year-old continued his blistering start to life in English football against Huddersfield Town, scoring twice and also creating an opening for Okay Yokuslu to smash home from long range.

Johnston has enjoyed an incredible turn of fortunes over the last few months, prompting some to question the Bhoys’ decision to let him move south of the border mid-season.

Last week, former England international Carlton Palmer signalled his belief that West Brom may go all out to try and land his services permanently in the summer transfer window.

Palmer stated: “Johnston is still under contract at Celtic, but it will be one of those at the end of the season where talks take place. I think West Brom should be looking to bring him to the club on a permanent basis.”

Carlos Corberan gives Celtic loanee Mikey Johnston special praise

Per Fotmob, Johnston earned a match rating of 9.1/10 for his exploits against Huddersfield, maintaining 100% shooting accuracy alongside fashioning two big chances and threading three passes into the final third.

The Irishman has now come in for some high praise from West Brom manager Carlos Corberan, who labelled Johnston as a ‘very special’ player who will go on to have an ‘important career’ in the game.

Corberan stated [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 off attacks.

“His goal contribution so far has been excellent, exceptional, and that’s why he will keep growing and have an important career because he is using the loan very well.”

Even the most optimistic of Celtic supporters would’ve struggled to predict Johnston’s rise to prominence at the Hawthorns; regardless, his excellent form can only be a good thing as far as his parent club is concerned.

Should he be thrust back into the fold at Parkhead, Rodgers will have a rejuvenated player to call upon heading into next season.

If not, there is every chance that we should be able to demand a respectable transfer fee for his services, and he is unlikely to have a shortage of suitors in light of his recent purple patch.