Mikey Johnston is adamant he wants to be one of Albion’s “difference-makers” in the final 11 games of the Sky Bet Championship campaign.
The Republic of Ireland winger has arguably been one of the most impressive performers in the side since Tony Mowbray’s arrival in January, catching the eye in recent matches against Oxford United and Leeds United respectively.
Johnston has provided the second-highest amount of assists in the second tier for the Baggies this season, with fellow flanker Tom Fellows leading the way on that particular front for the men in navy-blue-and-white stripes.
Albion are one of several teams in the division hunting down a spot in the top six and a shot at promotion to the Premier League.
And the exciting 25-year-old, who’s chipped in with six goal contributions in the last seven home fixtures, insists now is the time for the players to showcase their capabilities and deliver.
Mikey said: “Our focus is completely on ourselves for the final 11 games.
“We don't look at anyone else in the table and we focus on trying to win our games. That’s what we can affect. We can’t affect other results between other teams.
“We’re going to be around it, as many teams are. The stars are in our hands and I don't think we can feel pressure in these situations.
“These are the moments where we have to stand up and be counted for.
“These are times as a player which make you want to be the one who's going to be the difference-maker in what is a massive point of the season.”
Six of the remaining 11 encounters will be played in front of the club’s own supporters at the Shrine, starting with Saturday’s showdown against mid-table QPR (ko 3pm).
Johnston believes Baggies fans also have the ability to be difference-makers by creating red-hot atmospheres and ensuring the environment at The Hawthorns is a “hostile” one for visiting teams.
The No.22 added: “We know everyone is very much behind us and with a lot of our remaining games being at home, it makes it all the more important that we do well in them.
“We definitely need the fans. They make a difference in games at home and the best example I can think of last year in this situation was the Southampton match in the play-offs.
“It makes it enjoyable for everyone, but it makes the game a lot tougher for the opposition if it's a hostile atmosphere.
“I haven’t played in too many atmospheres like that and we want to soak up moments like those more often at The Hawthorns and I hope there’s a few to come before the end of the season.”
Supporters can read even more of Mikey’s thoughts in Saturday’s edition of Albion News. Copies are available to purchase around the ground on Saturday, or online here, for £4.
