Mikey Johnston says he’s ready for and excited by the “pressure” of fighting for a spot in the Sky Bet Championship play-off places.
The Republic of Ireland winger has joined Carlos Corberán’s side on loan from Celtic for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign, penning an agreement on deadline day.
Johnstone is no stranger to pressure having represented the Scottish giants in their senior team since 2017, appearing for the Celts in the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Champions League on several occasions.
The 24-year-old believes he’s a man who thrives in situations where there’s expectation on his team’s shoulders and is hoping to “hit the ground running” at The Hawthorns.
"I want to hit the ground running and make an impact here." 🗣@mikeyjohnston10's first words to 𝗪𝗕𝗔 𝗧𝗩 following his loan move from Celtic Park. pic.twitter.com/QDR0jFEtKg
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) February 1, 2024
Mikey said: “It’s good to be here. I think the deal has been rumbling on since the start of the window, so I’m just happy to get it over the line.
“Right from the start, the gaffer Carlos Corberán was on to me to get me in. He was telling me all about the way he likes to play and bits about the club.
“I was really keen as soon as I spoke to him. He’s impressive and he’s intense. You know exactly what he needs from you and it’s exactly the type of manager I’d like to work under.
“It’s a big move. We’re a team which is challenging for the play-offs and we’re under pressure. It’s an environment that I’d like to be a part of.
“Since I’ve been young, I’ve been exposed to pressure in Glasgow. It’s a goldfish bowl, so that comes with pressure. Coming to a place like West Bromwich Albion, there are expectations and that’s something I need as a player.
“It’s a challenge. We’re under pressure and we’re trying to make the play-offs. Everyone says the Championship is a very tough league and it’s something I’m excited to try out.
“It’s a loan deal so I want to hit the ground running and make an impact right away.”
Johnston will be jostling for a place in Corberán’s XI and describes his playing style as “exciting”.
“I’d like to describe myself as a player as an exciting one and one who wants to take people on, score goals and create goals.
“Ultimately, I want to make an impact for the team.
“I definitely set goals and targets, like all players do, but I do like to keep it to myself.
“Like I say, I want to come in, do well, show everyone what I can do and hit the ground running here.”
