Mikey Johnston speaks as his Celtic exit is confirmed

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Celtic winger Mikey Johnston has officially made his move to West Bromwich Albion on loan until the end of the season.

Johnston is a homegrown product at the Bhoys but has struggled to cement himself as a regular starter.

He spent the 2022/23 season on loan in Portugal but returned last summer and has been involved with Brendan Rodgers’ squad after returning from a summer back injury.

The winger made 12 appearances in total this term but it’s long been rumoured he would be granted permission to leave the club during this transfer window.

Johnston has now shared that his switch to West Brom has been in the works since the start of last month.

He told his new club’s official website: “I want to hit the ground running and make an impact right away. I think the deal has been rumbling on since the start of the window, so I’m just happy to get it over the line.

“Right from the start, the gaffer Carlos Corberán was on to me to get me in. He was telling me all about the way he likes to play and bits about the club.

“I was really keen as soon as I spoke to him. He’s impressive. You know exactly what he needs from you and it’s exactly the type of manager I like to work under.”

West Brom delighted to land Celtic star

Meanwhile, Corberan himself said of the switch: “Mikey was one of our targets going into this window and we are delighted he is joining us.

“He is a player with European and international football experience as a winger and, if needed, he also has the qualities required to play as a number 10.

“Mikey has the skill to make a difference in the final third and the fact he has played regularly for Celtic in December and January means he will be able to make an immediate impact here.”

The Bhoys recently brought Nicolas Kuhn into the club, further dropping Johnston down the pecking order.

Brendan Rodgers had stated he wants to reduce his overall squad numbers with Marco Tilio also leaving the club late in the window.

Celtic will move forward into the tail-end of the season with Kuhn, Liel Abada, Daizen Maeda and Luis Palma as the primary options on the wing.

Johnston’s contract at Celtic runs until 2026.