West Brom: Double Mikey Johnston developments make Carlos Corberan decision v Norwich City easy
As West Bromwich Albion seek to sustain their play-off place, Carlos Corberan’s team selection has to be spot on against the visit of Norwich City but his selection on the left wing should be an easy decision.
After a concerning spell of eight winless matches, four of which resulted in 0-0 bore draws, a gasp of relief was let out for West Brom fans after Albion beat Hull City in a much-needed 2-1 victory.
Summer-signing Mikey Johnston was a particular standout, providing the assist for goalscorer Karlan Grant, and his direct success one-on-one was a welcome return to form for the Irish international, and a reminder of the excitement that had Baggies bouncing in his temporary spell last term.
But before any momentum could be mounted on the result from either Albion or Johnston, the international break broke some members of the group up, as they travelled to represent their nations. One of which being Johnston.
Every international break brings anticipation and trepidation.
The week off resets rhythms due to a lack of intense gametime that can take time to reform. It gives players a welcome break that sees some fit and firing come the close of the break but can see others pick up an injury while away from their club.
Lucky for Carlos Corberan, his left-wing summer signing has enjoyed the former, making him the natural starter to face a struggling Norwich City side.
Johnston thrived as the Boys in Green fought off Finland
The 25-year-old was awarded a surprising start as Ireland welcomed Finland to the Aviva Stadium on the 14th of November, marking just his 13th international appearance since his maiden call-up in March 2023.
But the West Brom winger justified the faith from his manager, Heimir Hallgrímsson, with a standout performance fitting among the very best of his fellow compatriots.
Johnston overcame an initial shaky start where just before the 30th minute, after trying to dribble out of his own penalty area, the fast winger was dispossessed by Finnish midfielder Robin Lod, who was unable to convert his effort into the net and, to Johnston’s relief, sent it crashing against the post.
However, the winger quickly redeemed himself and his dribbling distinction.
Just before the half-time whistle, Johnston was isolated one-on-one with the Finnish full-back whom he tricked with a few Tom Fellow-esque stepovers, skinned to the byline, and looped an inviting cross over the goalkeeper, leaving just the towering Evan Ferguson to tap it home.
The Irish entertainer was not done exciting the crowd, next cutting inside the Finnish penalty area and unleashing a right-footed effort that flew agonisingly wide of the post but lifted the crowd off their seats – an action they would then repeat when Johnston was substituted off in the 85th minute before the one goal was enough to hand the new Republic of Ireland boss his first win.
Hallgrímsson spoke to the Irish Mirror after the match and praised the attacking output of the former Celtic man.
He said: “He gives you confidence and that’s for everyone to see when he takes players on.
“He also gives you really good crosses and when we have one or two strikers in the box, and fast wingers, that’s key.”
Although this no doubt will be music to the ears of Baggies fans, what will please the West Brom manager the most is Johnston’s defensive contribution.
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