West Brom: Mikey Johnston will be crucial to play-off push as he shares Premier League verdict
Mikey Johnston could prove to be the difference-maker in the West Brom promotion push, as he confessed the club are now focused on achieving promotion to the Premier League.
Currently sitting fifth in the Championship, Carlos Corberan knows what he has to do to secure the position as it is in their hands, with the winger likely to make a key difference.
Since arriving on loan from Celtic in January, Johnston has scored six goals and provided one assist in seven starts, providing Albion with the attacking outlet they craved all season.
Speaking to Birmingham Live [22 March], Johnston shared: “We’re fighting for the playoffs and have that motivation so the form’s all been down to playing games.
“For the second goal at Huddersfield, I’m just flowing and I’m not thinking about anything – things are just happening for me without me having to do anything about it.
“When you’re playing your best stuff is when you’re not thinking too much into it and you’re just doing it. When you’re in the flow, your confidence just comes out in your play and that’s where I want to continue being.
“I know this is a massive club and one that should be pushing for the play-offs in order to be in the Premier League. It has been what I’ve expected but in terms of the fans – they’ve been amazing.”
Mikey Johnston could fire West Brom to promotion
Given his performances since arriving in January, Johnston has established himself as a key player under Corberan, and the match he mentioned against Huddersfield was proof of that.
Picking up two goals and an assist to provide three of the four Baggies goals was an impressive feat, but he also recorded two key passes, a 100 per cent long pass accuracy, three shots on target, four dribbles and five crosses in an incredible display. [Sofascore]
Even when he doesn’t provide any attacking returns, Johnston can still affect the team. Against Bristol City, he provided plenty of attacking inspiration with his 91 per cent pass accuracy, seven dribbles, five of which were successful, and three shots.
Also in the game at The Hawthorns, he matched his 100 per cent accuracy from long passes as he displayed an underrated feature of his ability, as well as drawing two fouls and making two tackles as he worked hard to get involved all over the pitch.
With performances like those, keeping up his level could prove crucial as we enter the stage of the season where pressure ramps up and every result is crucial – although his experience at Celtic will have prepared him for such high pressure already.
He may even tempt Albion into looking to make his loan move permanent.
In other West Brom news, Academy stars will be encouraged by Corberan’s recent words.
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