West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan has outlined why it’s different for Mikey Johnston to be playing for his Baggies team rather than Celtic.
The winger, who was in and out of Brendan Rodgers’ side in the opening half of the season, has scored two goals in his five West Brom appearances so far. This is the same amount he bagged for the Celts in his 12 games in the first half of the campaign.
He has impressed South of the border, and Corberan thinks things are different for him in the Midlands. This is down to several factors including Johnston’s spell abroad with Vitoria Guimaraes last season, and the changes in play style and opposition set-up.
As quoted by Football Scotland, Corberan said: “It’s not the same for Mikey to play at Celtic and West Bromwich Albion.
“When you identify Celtic, when they are playing at home in a league game, they are very dominant and attacking. What is important is that Johnston had a loan in Portugal previously.
“He was in a team which was different to Celtic, so it’s not new to him to be in a different environment to Celtic, it’s not the first time he’s had a different style. That allows us to trust more in his adaptation.”
When he returns to Celtic in the summer, Johnston’s future will likely be up in the air once more. Should the winger keep up at his current rate for the Baggies, though, they will be keen to secure his permanent services.
The Parkhead faithful wouldn’t be left overly heartbroken at this and rather, would be content to see him go and find a place where he can express his talents consistently and be appreciated.
