West Brom: Republic of Ireland manager John O’Shea gets it wrong with Mikey Johnston v Belgium
West Brom are going very strong under Carlos Corberan this season, with the Baggies sitting fifth in the table.
The Hawthorns club are currently on a fine run of form, although their momentum has now been halted by an international break.
Corberan will be desperate for his international men to come back fit and firing when club football returns, with loan star Mikey Johnston one of his players currently away with their country.
The winger is part of the latest Republic of Ireland squad, selected by interim manager John O’Shea, who is in the dugout for the friendly meetings with Belgium and Switzerland.
The manager had plenty of tough decisions for the first clash with Belgium on Saturday (23 March), with one such decision involving a substitute role for Baggies ace Johnston.
The Celtic loanee was only afforded a brief cameo, entering the pitch at the Aviva Stadium in the 71st minute.
He was hardly able to express himself during his appearance, with the match finishing goalless, much to the disappointment of the home fans.
Carlos Corberan will be relieved at the lack of minutes for West Brom ace Mikey Johnston
The lack of minutes will please Corberan, but O’Shea must start Johnston against Switzerland on Tuesday (26 March) if Ireland are to come out on top.
In his brief time at The Hawthorns so far, the winger has already found the back of the net on six occasions.
Another goal could have arrived at the Aviva against Belgium had the attacker been used from the first whistle.
The same venue hosts the next international friendly, where Johnston will be keen to make an impact, either from the bench once more or hopefully from the start.
In other West Brom news, Baggies fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Shilen Patel issues a new Corberan verdict.
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