West Brom: John O’Shea moots Mikey Johnston Premier League move after what he’s done
John O’Shea has suggested Mikey Johnston could play in the Premier League if he continues developing his game after impressing during his loan spell at West Brom.
Speaking to The Irish Sun on Sunday (17 March), the interim Republic of Ireland manager admitted that the 24-year-old, who is on loan with the Baggies from Celtic, has “definitely not reached his ceiling” as he emphasised the importance of him improving his tactical discipline.
He said it will be great for the Republic of Ireland international to learn from Carlos Corberan as the Spaniard goes into “heavy detail” with what he wants from his players, adding that the winger is a “creative force” and that’s why he deserves his spot in the national team for their upcoming fixtures.
“Mikey has definitely not reached his ceiling, I don’t think,” said O’Shea. “He’s still going to get stronger and develop in terms of the discipline side of his game. He’s been so creative and has that licence but then obviously the higher level you go, the tactical discipline is going to be key for him as he develops.
“And if he can keep developing that, he can definitely go up to higher levels in terms of Premier League, international football etc. It’s great to see him in that confident form and there’s nothing better than a one-v-one player because it’s crucial.
“The manager at West Brom is into heavy detail in terms of what he wants from his players and there will be great learning from that for Mikey.
“But the big thing for me is he is a creative force and that is why you would have him in the team to cause the opposition problems, and you can put other players around him to maybe support him in his defensive duties.”
Mikey Johnston has great potential after West Brom form
It’s been pretty clear for everyone associated with West Brom to see what potential Johnston has to go on and make a great career for himself in the game.
He’s been a breath of fresh air for the Baggies over the past couple of months after scoring six goals in just 10 appearances since joining on loan from Celtic in the January transfer window.
It’s no surprise to see that form has earned him a call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad as he could make a big impression for them in their games against Belgium and Switzerland.
While Albion would no doubt like to sign him come the end of the season, there could be some Premier League sides watching his situation and contemplating if he could potentially do a job for them.
That could be a further incentive for Corberan’s side to achieve promotion to the top flight during this campaign as they look to bring the winger in on a permanent deal at The Hawthorns.
In other West Brom news, Craig Dawson has aimed a dig at Albion after what happened against Wolves.
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