“Mikey’s on fire at the moment,” said the former Millwall man. “The way he’s playing, I don’t see anybody better.”
Six goals, one assist and several man-of-the-match performances bolster Wallace’s assessment, and beg an obvious question: why did Celtic permit such an extravagantly talented winger to join the Baggies on loan in January?
It’s a question that Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers has fielded several times in recent weeks, and the answer is relatively simple.
Johnston’s seven years in the Celtic first team have been devastated by injury. Some big. Some small. All disruptive.
“You have to really understand football to understand what he’s been through because they’re not your average injuries,” explained former England goalkeeper Joe Hart, a teammate at Celtic Park.
“People understand when you pull your hamstring and you’re out for eight weeks but you come back and you’re fine. Or if you break a leg. But Mikey had these little injuries that kept holding him back and stopped any sort of momentum and flow in his career.”
Johnston actually made his debut for Celtic way back in May 2017 but has since started just 20 league games for his boyhood club. Supporters have all but written him off.
This story is from the March 24, 2024 edition of The Football League Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 24, 2024 edition of The Football League Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
DION'S DOUBLE PUTS WANDERERS ON TOP
DION Charles helped give Bolton “a deserved lead”, according to manager Ian Evatt, as he scored twice in Wanderers’ victory at Barnsley.
ICTURE: Alumy Moore secures U's a slender lead
OXFORD United drew first blood in their play-off semi-final by taking a narrow advantage to London Road for the second leg on Wednesday.
GILLS IN HUNT FOR GAFFER AS CLEM DEPARTS
GILLINGHAM intend to appoint a new manager ‘as quickly as possible’ after calling time on Stephen Clemence’s short reign.
'I NEVER WANT TO DO THAT AGAIN!'
OUR years after Hudderssteering field to Championship safety, Danny Cowley is celebrating another great escape at Colchester.
TASTY LATTE LATH BAGS TOP PRIZE
MIDDLESBROUGH striker Emmanuel Latte Lath has put the seal on an impressive end to the season by being named the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month.
FIVE-STAR MILLERS BOW OUT ON A HIGH
ROTHERHAM United boss Steve Evans says he is hopeful for the future after his side signed off from the Championship with a shock win against Cardiff City.
CHAIR LIFTS HOOPS WITH SUPER STRIKE
QUEENS Park Rangers manager Marti Cifuentes wanted his players to give their supporters one more victory to cheer – and Ilias Chair’s super strike set them on their way.
NEIL WON'T BE RUSHED OVER HIS LIONS STAY
NEIL Harris insists he will not be swayed on committing to being at Millwall beyond next season after masterminding the Lions’ successful fight to stay in the Championship.
Rohl's joy at Owls' great escape…..
DANNY Rohl was as proud as punch at his Sheffield Wednesday side’s achievement after victory over Sunderland confirmed the club’s survival.
CARRICK: LATTE LATH CAN SPUR BORO ON
MICHAEL Carrick believes Middlesbrough striker Emmanuel Latte Lath can carry his fine goalscoring form into next season.