Mikey Johnston was a late window casualty for Celtic as he joined West Bromwich Albion on loan for the remainder of the season.
The Republic of Ireland international featured on a rotational basis during the first portion of the campaign for the Bhoys, registering two goals and two assists in 12 appearances [Transfermarkt].
Nevertheless, Brendan Rodgers did also indicate that the 24-year-old needed to add a greater level of ‘robustness’ to his game to establish himself as a regular at Parkhead.
Whether that did happen or not is irrelevant now, as the Lennoxtown product is now plying his trade for West Brom at the Hawthorns Stadium.
It hasn’t taken Johnston long to make an impact south of the border, as he opened the scoring for the Baggies in their eventual 2-0 victory over Cardiff City last night.
His new boss, Carlos Corberan, has high hopes for his spell in the West Midlands, stating: “Mikey is a player that offers us a lot of possibilities.”
“He is a winger who can play wider than he played today, but at the same time, he can play more as a playmaker. One of the key things we insist to him is that he arrives in the box because he’s a player with a very good finish.”
Celtic’s Mikey Johnston wants to ‘make an impact’ at West Brom
Turning 25 this year, Johnston has little time to waste as he aims to fully deliver on the potential he has shown over the last few years.
Speaking in a recent interview, it appears the tricky winger is acutely aware of this, and he has signalled his intention to enjoy a productive loan spell away from Parkhead.
Johnston stated [West Bromwich Albion YouTube]: “I’m here to make an impact. We know what we want to do as a team. We want to make the playoffs and (it’s) yet another step in the right direction.
He later added: “It was my first start in a while. It was minutes in the legs and in the tank. I’m feeling fitter and fitter every day. I’m just implementing what the gaffer wants from me.”
Mikey Johnston needs regular football away from Celtic
It is no secret that Johnston has talent; nevertheless, injuries and inconsistency surrounding his end product have made many question his chances of ever being able to reliably contribute for Celtic.
Rodgers will ultimately have the final say on that, though it would be nice to see him find his feet at West Brom, as we all know he can produce moments of brilliance when it all comes together.
His exploits at international level for Ireland have been impressive, and he has all the requisite tools necessary to succeed at the Hawthorns amid the Baggies’ promotion push.
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