Irish media in agreement on West Brom star Mikey Johnston after stunning win vs Portugal
Mikey Johnston played an incredibly minor role in the Republic of Ireland’s stunning victory over Portugal on Thursday.
The West Brom winger has been a bright spark under Ryan Mason, despite the team’s underperformance in the Championship.
Johnston has registered six goal contributions for West Brom so far this season, and his good form at club level has increased his chances of being called up to the Republic of Ireland squad.
Ireland recorded a famous 2-0 victory over Portugal on Thursday, with Johnston earning his 19th cap for his country.
The Irish media have reacted to his performance at the Aviva Stadium, agreeing that the West Brom favourite simply was not given enough time to make an impact.
Mikey Johnston fails to make an impact for Ireland
Troy Parrott’s first-half double put Ireland in a great position, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s sending off sent them on their way to a famous win over the European giants.
Johnston came on for Chiedozie Ogbene in the 86th minute and had only four touches of the ball.
The Irish Times said: “Jimmy Dunne and Mikey Johnstone weren’t on long enough to make an impact.”
RTE were also unsure of Johnston’s impact, and said: “Not on long enough to rate – though he might have done better following one mazy run right at the death.”
Meanwhile, Balls.ie also said Johnston simply was not given the time to do anything of note from the bench as Ireland protected their lead.
| Stat | Johnston |
| Appearances | 14 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Chances created | 24 |
| Shots | 30 |
When on the ball, Johnston is always looking to get at opposition players, and is proving a nightmare for full-backs to defend.
He can go left or right with both feet and be just as dangerous, making him one of Mason‘s biggest weapons at West Brom.
Johnston’s performance against Preston was hailed, and despite not flourishing on the international stage, the winger might be getting back to his best at The Hawthorns.
West Brom were expected to finish in the playoffs at the start of the season, and while that looks unlikely, Johnston could be set for some joy on an international level.
Mikey Johnston could secure unlikely World Cup dream with the Republic of Ireland
Ireland haven’t qualified for a World Cup since 2002, but if they beat Hungary on Sunday, then they’ll qualify for the playoff round by finishing second in their group.
The 26-year-old has scored two goals on the international stage, and his output is relatively disappointing given the run of form he’s had in the Championship.
West Brom’s underperformance in the league could be a lot worse if it weren’t for his heroics in attack, linking up well with Isaac Price to bail the Baggies out of trouble frequently.
Against Hungary, the Republic of Ireland could do with Johnston’s magic on the ball from the start, and he could play a huge role in unlocking the opposition defence.
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