Mikey Johnston, on loan from Celtic, has once again shown his worth in a West Brom jersey, netting his third goal in seven appearances for the Baggies.
Friday’s match against Coventry saw Johnston steal the spotlight with a moment of sheer brilliance, as he cut in from the left, cheekily nutmegged his marker, and unleashed a strike that found its way into the back of the net, putting West Brom 1-0 up.
Despite his resurgence at West Brom, it appears unlikely that this will translate into more game time back at Celtic. The reasons are manifold, but a significant factor is the shift in playing dynamics; at West Brom, Johnston enjoys a level of freedom and lesser pressure, thriving in an environment where opponents are less inclined to ‘park the bus’—a tactic all too common in the Scottish Premiership.
His latest goal is a testament to the hard work he’s putting in and increasing confidence on the pitch. For Celtic fans, it’s a glimpse of what could have been, had circumstances been different.
Yet, for Johnston, this chapter with West Brom is proving to be a crucial stepping stone in his career, one that could very well lead to greater opportunities.
At West Brom, Johnston is not just finding the back of the net; he’s rediscovering his joy for the game, playing with a freedom and creativity that was seldom seen during his more challenging periods at Celtic.
