Winger Mikey Johnston of West Brom has had an ideal start to his career at The Hawthorns since joining on loan from Celtic in January, under Brendan Rodgers.
With just three starts in the Scottish Premiership throughout the first half of the season, the Irish winger was little used by the Hoops. However, in his first seven games with the Baggies, he has scored three goals.
Even though Johnston’s transfer appeared out of the blue in the final days of the transfer window, he acknowledged that after speaking with Corberan for the first time and looking for more consistent playing time, he was persuaded.
“I think when this was one of my options, I felt as though it was a good one anyway, but just talking to the manager and hearing how much I could learn,” he stated in an interview with Sky Sports Football on March 5.
He really is like a teacher to me; the lessons I’ve already learned will help me in my work, and I feel like I’m learning new things every day. I felt he would be the ideal coach for me as soon as he called.
It was merely a Celtic gametime issue. With eight wingers in the end, it would have been difficult for me to obtain the minutes I desired. In addition to wanting to improve on previous year, I also wanted to advance in my job since, well, I’m getting older.
“I thought this was a good step, and it went really smoothly because both clubs agreed on everything.”
The 24-year-old’s statement that, in less than a month of playing for the Baggies under his direction, he has already learned so much from the manager is telling, and it speaks volumes about Rodgers’ performance during his second stint at Parkhead.
Johnston has undoubtedly grown under Corberan’s coaching, something that was not possible during his tenure in Glasgow, even though he has never stated outright that the Northern Irishman was a superior coach.
The winger has been given consistent game time by Corberan and West Brom, and he has seized the chance with both hands, turning in strong performances and some incredible goals that have astounded both fans and analysts.
According to Robert Snodgrass, Johnston’s performance at The Hawthorns thus far indicates why the Baggies would undoubtedly make every effort to recruit him long-term if his contract at Celtic expires in the summer.
However, if Johnston keeps improving while wearing a West Brom jersey, it seriously puts into question Rodgers’ qualifications because he let the 24-year-old go because he didn’t think he was talented enough to play a regular role for Celtic.
The heat on the Hoops manager has increased recently as his team keeps giving up points in an effort to close the gap on Rangers in the Premiership title race, while the Baggies appear certain to secure a postseason spot this year.
In that sense, Albion’s coach in the dugout seems superior to Celtic’s in Glasgow.
