Mikey Johnston has started life at West Bromwich Albion well, showcasing the kind of potential that Celtic fans had hoped to see more consistently during his tenure at the club.
Since his January move to the English Championship side, Johnston has found the back of the net twice, already matching his goal tally from the first half of the season with Celtic.
Johnston’s latest goal for West Brom highlighted his ability to create and score from challenging positions. Cutting in from the left flank, he managed to outmanoeuvre his defender with a blend of pace and skill before launching a precise shot into the top-right corner of the goal.
Just take a look at his goal:
😱🇮🇪 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐠𝐨𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐲!
A brilliant effort from Celtic loanee Mikey Johnston puts West Brom 2-0 up away at Plymouth.
That’s the 24-year-old’s second goal of his spell with the Baggies!
— Celtic Youth & Loan Updates (@CelticYLUpdates) February 20, 2024
During his time at Celtic, Johnston’s journey was marked by moments of promise intertwined with lots of frustration. Despite being given numerous chances to cement his place in the team, he struggled to consistently impact games, leading to a sense of unfulfilled potential among the fanbase. His departure in January was seen as an opportunity for him to rejuvenate his career elsewhere.
The type of goal Johnston scored for West Brom underscores what Celtic is currently missing in their attack, especially against teams that employ a low-block defence. The ability to cut inside from the wing and finish with precision is a valuable asset, one that was on display in Johnston’s latest performance for West Brom. All four wingers who featured for Celtic at the weekend seem to lack this particular asset.
