West Brom v Preston: Ex-Wolves midfielder wowed by 'super' Albion ace Johnston

Dave Edwards was blown away by "super" Mikey Johnston as West Brom won 3-1 against Preston on New Year's Day.

The 25-year-old had been touted to be one of the main Baggies players to be affected by the swift departure of Carlos Corberan after recently enjoying an extended run in the first team - Corberan left The Hawthorns for Valencia in December.

However, he has responded to those claims in scintillating fashion as he assisted Josh Maja to give West Brom the lead against Preston on Wednesday, leaving former Wolves man Edwards in awe live on Sky Sports Football (1 January, 3:19pm).

He said: "Mikey Johnston finds himself away. He looks like he might have lost control at that point, [he] gets it back and then this is just super wing play, it really is.

"[He] chops his way into the box [and] slides it across, fortuitously finds its way to Josh Maja."

Mikey Johnston exerts his influence for West Brom v Preston

While Chris Brunt remains on course to extend his unbeaten spell at interim boss at West Brom, the search for the ideal Corberan replacement continues.

Shilen Patel sent an inspiring message to the Baggies faithful via social media on New Year's day, with a big emphasis on building towards the future in 2025.

Regardless of who is appointed to lead the post-Corberan era, the new boss will undoubtedly have one of the most talented squads in the second tier, and Johnston is prepared to stake his claim as one of the most important names in the West Midlands.

Johnston gave Corberan the perfect send-off with his match-deciding brace in the 2-0 win against Bristol City on 22 December and has now ensured Brunt continues his impeccable start at The Hawthorns.

Callum Styles added a second with a sensational effort from the edge of the opposition area before Maja doubled his tally for the day courtesy of a surging Darnell Furlong run from the right flank.

The Republic of Ireland international will play a major role for West Brom in the hunt for a playoff finish heading into the second half of the season - long may his form continue.

In other West Brom news, a Baggies manager twiat has emerged as former Manchester United boss sees his odds slashed.

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