Mikey Johnston’s resurgence at West Brom has sparked a significant conversation about his future, with former Celtic player Kenny Miller suggesting it’s time for Johnston to move on from his boyhood club.
Johnston’s performance in the English Championship, marked by six goals for the promotion-chasing Baggies, has not only impressed fans but has also placed him firmly in the transfer shop window.
Despite Brendan Rodgers’ admiration for Johnston’s talent, Miller believes that for Johnston to realise his full potential, a permanent move away from Celtic Park is necessary. Miller’s reflections on Johnston’s career highlight a journey of intermittent brilliance marred by injuries and inconsistencies at Celtic. Yet, his recent form at West Brom suggests a player rediscovering his confidence and skill in a competitive environment.
Johnston’s ability to impact games, particularly from the left flank, has always been evident. His knack for cutting inside and delivering lethal strikes or precise passes shows a natural talent that Celtic has seen in flashes but never consistently harnessed due to various factors.
Miller said [Birmingham Live]: “He had good games here and there but he’s also struggled a lot with injuries. He went out on loan to Portugal last year and had a good season there and then, because of injuries, he was involved quite a lot in the first-team set-up at Celtic earlier this year. I think he scored a couple of goals against Dundee, actually, just before he left for West Brom.
“I have kept an eye on him since he made that move in January, and he’s already scored six goals for West Brom – Mikey’s ability has never been in doubt, he’s just never had that full run at Celtic. He’s maybe always felt it’s been time to move on, and being in that headspace has just meant he’s not been able to go and deliver his best.
“He’s not been given the platform to deliver his best over the last few years, but now he’s got a new challenge at a new and incredibly competitive level in the Championship, with a good club who are expected to be there or thereabout in the push for promotion. Maybe he’s just enjoying being away from that bit-part role at Celtic.
“When he’s playing off that left-hand side, that’s where he’s at his best, definitely. It’s a great area for someone with Mikey’s ability to cut in and get that shot away at goal, or slide those reverse passes; he’s absolutely got the ability, it’s now just a case of delivering a sustained run of performances.
“I get the feeling Mikey has needed this move, and to be honest, it feels like a loan move with his future in mind; I don’t think it’s a case of him playing to prove himself capable of getting into Celtic’s first-team. I’m not sure what his contract situation looks like, but if Mikey Johnston wants to take his career on a level, I think he’s got to do it away from Celtic.
“I think he probably would’ve preferred a permanent move in January, but this stint he’s got at West Brom is a great opportunity for him to either prove himself and seal a permanent move to West Brom, or at least put himself in the shop window at that level. He’s at an age where he’ll want to be playing regular football, and now he’s showing people he can play at this level, with a top team. I’ve no doubt if West Brom don’t make a permanent move for him in the summer, there’ll be plenty of other clubs keeping a close eye on him.”
At 24, the imperative for regular first-team football cannot be overstated, and his performances in the Championship offer a compelling case for his readiness to take on new challenges at a high level of competition.
