West Brom: Don Goodman in awe of ‘out of this world’ Celtic-loanee Mikey Johnston v Coventry
Don Goodman was blown away by Mikey Johnston’s excellent early strike for West Brom in the 2-1 win at home to Coventry City at The Hawthorns.
The on-loan Celtic winger cut in from the left flank in the sixth minute, beating Milan van Ewijk and Josh Eccles, and slamming the ball into the far corner, with the Sky Sports pundit reacting live on the broadcaster’s match coverage to brand it “out of this world”.
It was the 24-year-old’s third Baggies strike since arriving from Parkhead in January, and Goodman highlighted how well he has taken to life south of the border.
Goodman said (8.08pm): “Well, out in the cold in Scotland, out of this world in England. That is brilliant, absolutely brilliant.
“Coventry would have seen his goal away at Plymouth Argyle just over a week ago, they would have seen something not dissimilar, cutting in off that left-hand side onto his right foot, lovely little bit of skill, a little nutmeg on Van Ewijk, cuts inside Eccles, and bends a beauty into the top corner.
“You just felt tonight it was important for West Bromwich Albion to score the first goal here given their record when they don’t, but my word they have, and it was a stunner.”
Mikey Johnston proves superb West Brom signing after Celtic struggles
Irish international Johnston has already indicated that Brendan Rodgers didn’t want him to leave Celtic in the winter window [The National, 27 February] and it is increasingly easy to see why.
But the SPFL boss’ loss has proven to be Carlos Corberan’s gain, and given the financial circumstances at The Hawthorns it has to represent an outstanding piece of transfer business.
Andi Weimann has also had a major impact after arriving on a low-cost January loan from Bristol City, as West Brom have managed to make light of the complete lack of a transfer budget, even if Callum Marshall is yet to follow suit despite the endless injury issues up front.
Johnston was excellent from the off against the Sky Blues, forcing opponents onto the back foot with direct running and producing the stand out moment of the game to give the Baggies a vital platform to build from.
If Corberan is going to secure a play off place this term then it looks like the January arrival is going to play a major part.
In other West Brom news, Shilen Patel has revealed big plans for the club following his takeover from Guochuan Lai.
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