Brendan Rodgers sent several Celtic players out on loan during the mid-season window to gain first-team opportunities elsewhere.
Hyeokkyu Kwon and Marco Tilio were among the individuals to depart temporarily and were later joined by Alexandro Bernabei, who completed a move to Brazilian giants Internacional earlier this month.
Nevertheless, Mikey Johnston’s switch to Sky Bet Championship outfit West Bromwich Albion has been the most notable outgoing of the January period in light of his profound impact at the Hawthorns.
The Republic of Ireland international has featured on ten occasions for the Baggies so far, registering six goals and one assist in the process [Transfermarkt].
Journalist Chris Dunlavy has claimed that a permanent deal may be on the cards for Johnston at West Brom as Celtic may look to cash in on his services due to his injury record.
He stated: “Celtic, their fingers burned by Johnston’s medical history, would rather cash in whilst his stock is high. What they demand will very much depend on who is interested.”
Whether or not a long-term future at Parkhead is in the pipeline for the 24-year-old, he has proved some doubters wrong since pitching up south of the border.
Celtic loanee Mikey Johnston’s West Brom form explained
West Brom captain Jed Wallace has already praised Johnston’s blistering start in the West Midlands, claiming that the Irishman is the ‘best player’ in the English second-tier on current form.
Now, the former Portsmouth man has taken to the airwaves to shed some further light on his rise to prominence while also sending Celtic a message amid Johnston’s inconsistent minutes at Parkhead.
Live on talkSPORT, Wallace explained: “To be honest, he has been unbelievable since he came in the door. He settled straight away and has not looked back. Celtic must have some wingers if he can’t get a game.
“I think it suits him more. With the big clubs in Scotland, they tend to play against teams with ten men behind the ball. But the Championship is more open and he has real pace, so it has suited him.
“He has scored some unbelievable goals, and had a goal of the season competition on his own.
“I’ve told him he needs to slow it down because his price tag is going up every game. But he is a great lad who fits in well.”
Despite his failure to lock in a regular starting berth at Celtic, Johnston looks to be enjoying his football and could command a healthy fee in the summer for his services.
On the flip side, the Glasgow-born man may return to Lennoxtown rejuvenated ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. Either way, it’s a win-win scenario.
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