West Bromwich Albion's Mikey Johnston. Photo Richard Bowcott/IPS/Shutterstock

Mikey Johnston – “Celtic must have some wingers if he can’t get a game,” West Brom skipper

By Lubo98 - 26th Mar 2024, 10:54pm

Jed Wallace reckons that Celtic must be blessed with quality wingers if Mikey Johnston can’t get a game in Brendan Rodgers’ side. The West Brom captain has been blown away by the form shown by he Republic of Ireland winger since his January loan move to the Hawthorns that has resulted in six goals and a surge towards securing a play-off spot to get back to the Premier League.

Slow it down a bit

Speaking to talkSPORT today Wallace joked that he’s warned Mikey to calm his jets as he’s going to do so well that he’ll price West Brom out of the market for his signature this summer.

West Bromwich Albion s Mikey Johnston West Bromwich Albion v Bristol City, EFL Sky Bet Championship, The Hawthorns, 16 March 2024. Photo Richard Bowcott/IPS/Shutterstock

“I did say to him he has to slow it down a bit because his price has gone up every game! Celtic must have some wingers if he can’t get a game for them at the moment,” the veteran West Brom striker said.

He’s been unbelievable

“He’s been unbelievable since he came in the door. He settled straight away and scored in his first start after about 30 seconds against Cardiff and hasn’t looked back to be honest. I think it suits more sometimes, obviously when you play for the big teams in Scotland every other team they play against put 10 men behind the ball.

“It’s a bit more open and he’s got real pace and when the game’s open it’s really suited him and he’s scored some unbelievable goals. But he’s doing great, he’s fitted in really well and hopefully he can keep his form up.”

Mikey Johnston of West Bromwich Albion scores his team’s first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City at The Hawthorns on February 13, 2024. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Nail on the head

Wallace hits the nail on the head. Playing against a low block is fine for wingers like for example Jota but Mikey’s pace is never fully utilised and room to work in behind is always very little to non-existent.

Mikey must be enjoying his football more now than at any time at Celtic and if he can get a decent move he should grab it with both hands. Celtic can end up with a decent fee, a fair return for the lengthy contracts given to the player for little real return on the park, due mostly to injury problems.

A summer move would suit all parties and everyone can remain best of friends.