As a staunch Rangers fan, McCoist is hoping that Johnston doesn’t return to Celtic as a revitalised player following his exploits in the Midlands.
Former Rangers player and manager turned pundit Ally McCoist has revealed that he wants Mikey Johnston to stay at West Bromwich Albion – so that he can’t come back to Celtic and haunt his former club.
Johnston made the move to The Hawthorns in the January transfer window, joining on a loan deal until the end of the season from Scottish giants Celtic.
The 24-year-old has been at Parkhead his entire professional career, with his move to the Midlands being his second loan move away, having spent last season in Portugal on loan with Vitoria Guimaraes.
Carlos Corberan’s Baggies are currently inside the Championship’s play-offs as they look to make a return back to the Premier League after three years away.
Ally McCoist wants Mikey Johnston to stay at West Brom and not return to Celtic
They are currently sitting in fifth place in the second tier, and are eight points clear of seventh place, with eight games to go – a place in the top six is almost guaranteed, unless there is a surprise capitulation.
Johnston has been a key player for West Brom since his arrival, and in his 10 league games, he has scored six goals and assisted one, becoming one of the best players in the division based on his current form.
“By the way, you’ve got to mention the form of West Brom as well, who have really picked up – Carlos Corberan has done a brilliant job,” McCoist exclusively told Football League World when speaking about the race for promotion from the Championship.
“They’ve got Mikey Johnston from Celtic, who, with the greatest respect, I hope he stays there and I hope he continues to do well because I don’t want him coming back up here and scoring those goals for Celtic!”
Mikey Johnston has had a great impact at West Brom.
Should Mikey Johnston pursue a permanent move to West Brom?
Whilst McCoist may want Johnston to stay at West Brom so that he does not make Celtic better (due to McCoist’s affiliation with bitter rivals Rangers), it makes sense for a permanent move to West Brom to occur.
Johnston has struggled all his career at Celtic to nail down a starting spot, being mainly used as an impact sub.
However, it seems he has now found a place to call home, where he is starting regularly and playing well too.
Despite scoring goals, Johnston is still doing his best at what he is known for, which is taking a man on with his trickery.
West Brom do not have the option to buy, so it remains to be seen what will happen with Johnston in the summer. But he will certainly have a lot of interest.
