If Mickey Johnston can’t get a game, West Brom captain Jed Wallace believes Celtic must have amazing wingers. He also made a joke, saying the Baggies star, who is now on loan, had to stop his scorching Hawthorns form or he’ll be beyond their reach.
With six goals and an assist in his first ten appearances at the Championship team, the Republic of Ireland winger and on-loan Hoops star has had an incredible start. The 24-year-old, who rose through the Parkhead ranks and made his first team debut six years ago during Brendan Rodgers’ first stint as manager in Glasgow’s east end, has stunned skipper Wallace.
But Johnston was allowed to leave on loan in January with Celtic having wide men such as veteran Jams Forrest, winter signing Nicolas Kuhn, Luis Palma, Daizen Maeda and Yang. Johnston is still under contract at Celtic until 2025 and Wallace told talkSPORT: “I did say to him he has to slow it down a bit because his price has gone up every game! Celtic must have some wingers if he can’t get a game for them at the moment.
“He’s been unbelievable since he came in the door. He settled straight away and scored in his first start after about 30 seconds against Cardiff and hasn’t looked back to be honest. I think it suits more sometimes, obviously when you play for the big teams in Scotland every other team they play against put 10 men behind the ball. It’s a bit more open and he’s got real pace and when the game’s open it’s really suited him and he’s scored some unbelievable goals. But he’s doing great, he’s fitted in really well and hopefully he can keep his form up.
Former England international Carlton Palmer agreed. Speaking to Football League World, he said: “I think this is a problem for West Brom. Johnston has had an unbelievable impact. He’s been exceptional, with six goals and one assist. West Brom should be looking to secure a permanent transfer, as he’s taken to the Baggies, to the supporters’ hearts and done really well. Obviously, though, there was no option to buy as part of the agreement, and that’s why Celtic have sent him out on loan.
“There’s no doubting Johnston’s ability, but he needed to get out, play regularly, and he’s done that at West Brom in the Championship. Albion are in the play-off positions but it’s going to be difficult for them to secure his services now, because he’s done so well.
“So, if I was the new owner, I’d be sitting down with Celtic now and trying to get this deal over the line to keep him at the football club. He’s proved to be a fantastic signing, showing Brendan Rodgers what he can do, and maybe he will be thinking that he can bring him back.”
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