West Brom: National media blasts ‘wasteful’ Mikey Johnston in 5/10 Ireland rating v Switzerland
West Brom star Mikey Johnston was given just a 5/10 rating by national media as Ireland lost to Switzerland.
The winger started and played 57 minutes in the international friendly at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Tuesday (26 March).
Former Liverpool star Xherdan Shaqiri scored the only goal of the match after 23 minutes to secure a narrow 1-0 win for the visitors.
“Coming into the side for the injured Chiedozie Ogbene, Johnston played with plenty of intent right from the off,” according to Balls.ie, who gave the player a 5/10 rating. “In saying that, he was wasteful in possession on more than a few occasions.
“He could not be faulted for effort, but things just would not come off for him. Replaced before the hour mark.”
West Brom ace Mikey Johnston has disappointing international break
Johnston went into the latest international break as one of the most in-form players in the Championship, and indeed one of the most in-form players in the Republic of Ireland squad.
But despite his heroics at The Hawthorns, interim manager John O’Shea firstly opted not to start the attacker in the first clash against Belgium.
In a top display from the hosts at the Aviva, Ireland played out a goalless draw with the Red Devils, with Johnston handed just under 20 minutes from the bench.
He was then given a start by O’Shea against Switzerland, but failed to make any sort of impact before being withdrawn for Celtic loanee Adam Idah.
Johnston was one of several Baggies players who have been representing their respective nations throughout this latest break, with manager Carlos Corberan now wanting them all to return back to The Hawthorns in one piece.
Johnston, who is on loan at the Albion from Celtic, has shone under the boss during his temporary spell in the Championship.
In other West Brom news, Corberan must keep tabs on one youngster after a recent international development.
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