Mikey Johnston’s impact at West Brom has been superb since his January loan move.
With six goals and an assist in his first ten games, the Republic of Ireland winger has really started to make a name for himself in the English Championship.
It’s the kind of form that Johnston has threatened at times for Celtic but never really delivered and, to be honest, it is great to see him showing the potential that we all knew that he had.
The 24-year-old is unlikely to recover his career at Celtic but, ironically, it’s his form for West Brom that makes Carlton Palmer believe that making Johnston’s move to The Hawthorns permanently a big problem.
The reason Mikey Johnston might not get West Brom move
It would be such a shame for Johnston to perform so well that he may actually play himself out of a move to The Hawthorns.
But that is exactly what Palmer thinks may happen this season even at the £3m he reckons would be enough to tempt Celtic to sell.
Palmer said [Football League World], “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.”
First off, I can’t see Rodgers in any way, shape or form looking to Johnston returning to Celtic with a view to playing in the first team again.
He has already had many chances over the course of this season which he has failed to take. If Johnston doesn’t move to West Brom, there is likely going to be other clubs who will gladly take him.
Because if Johnston has proved anything over the last couple of months it’s that he has what it takes to perform at a very decent level. Unfortunately, that level is just not at Celtic.