Don Goodman, a West Bromwich Albion icon and current Sky Sports commentator, has voiced strong support for the permanent signing of Mikey Johnston after the winger’s successful loan spell at the club.

He’s told Johnston to ignore the possibility of Champions League football to play in the Championship.

Johnston, who made a significant impact at West Brom with seven goals in 20 appearances, helped the team reach the Championship playoffs. It felt like every single one of those goals was a screamer, and WBA fans took to the Irish international.

Goodman, speaking to West Brom News, highlighted that while Johnston may not yet be ready for the Premier League, he fits perfectly into a Championship team with high aspirations like West Brom.

He said: “I don’t see him in the Premier League just yet, but rather a Championship club that’s ambitious and wants to be at the top end of the division – a category West Brom will consider themselves in after this past season.

“The fact is that he was playing week in and week out, enjoying himself and embracing the challenge that comes with Championship football, which with respect in Scotland you’ve just got a head-to-head battle with Celtic and Rangers. So although he’d have the opportunity to play European football next season, which would be attractive to him, is Brendan Rodgers going to guarantee him game time?

“At this moment in time, I’d highly doubt that. If I was Mikey Johnston and wasn’t guaranteed game time, I’d be looking to get away.”

I think it’s safe to say that Mikey would much rather star for Celtic every week than play Championship football.

Rodgers has acknowledged Johnston’s progress during his loan and expressed his intention to reassess the winger’s situation in the summer, the reality remains that Johnston has yet to solidify his place at Celtic despite several opportunities.

This ongoing uncertainty around his role at Celtic might influence his decision-making regarding his future, weighing the benefits of potential European exposure against regular playing time in the Championship.