Media reacts to ‘Silly’ thing Johnston did in 6/10 Republic of Ireland display
West Brom star Mikey Johnston featured as the Republic of Ireland recorded a 2-1 victory over Bulgaria in the UEFA Nations League.
Goals from Finn Azaz and Matt Doherty helped Ireland come back to win after going 1-0 down in the opening minutes of the match in Plovdiv.
The result was a huge one for Ireland ahead of the reverse fixture against Bulgaria in Dublin on March 23, but West Brom winger Johnston earned mixed reviews for his performance.
Sections of the Irish media criticised aspects of Johnston’s display, as the 25-year-old started on the right wing for Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side.
Media question West Brom’s Mikey Johnston after Ireland win
Johnston has mostly been given 6/10 ratings for his fairly unremarkable display against Bulgaria, and the West Brom wing ace’s at times chaotic display was questioned.
Balls.ie pointed out that the West Brom star “struggled to impose himself in the opening stages,” but gradually grew into the game, handing him a 6/10 rating.
| Stat | Johnston |
| Minutes | 76 |
| Passes (accuracy) | 21 (95%) |
| Chances created | 2 |
| Dribbles (successful) | 4 (1) |
| Crosses (successful) | 3 (1) |
The Irish Times questioned Johnston’s care of the ball, stating that “you can never be sure which team he’s going to harm the most.”
They also criticised his “silly giveaways” and gave him a 6/10 rating.
The Irish Sun was more generous in their 7/10 rating, and pointed out that he won the free kick, which eventually led to Ireland’s equalising goal.
Will Mikey Johnston keep his starting spot for Ireland?
Johnston played 76 minutes of the Nations League clash before he was replaced by Bristol City winger Mark Sykes, whilst strikers Adam Idah and Evan Ferguson were among the substitutes going into the game.
As things stand, Johnston appears to be in no danger of losing his starting spot for the national team and he continues to regularly appear for West Brom.
The winger has scored twice and provided five assists in 33 Championship appearances this season, and has started four out of Albion’s last five league games under Tony Mowbray.
His display against Bulgaria saw Johnston create two chances, showing that whilst he can bring unpredictability to the right wing, this can be of benefit in attacking situations, and he looks set to add to his 13 International caps going forward.