Mikey Johnston flips Celtic 'pressure' script on cynics as West Brom career revival comes with bullish message

Confident Mikey Johnston insists he is relishing the pressure at West Brom - as he declared he has learned how to handle it while at Celtic.

The loanee is quickly become a fans' favourite after scoring within 30 seconds of his first start for the club against Cardiff City - before following it up on Tuesday night for the the Baggies as he netted a stunning effort against Plymouth Argyle as he kickstarts his career away from the Celtic Park scrutiny. The form of the Ireland international has led to some Celtic fans to call for the 24-year-old to be brought BACK to Parkhead already with Brendan Rodgers' side slipping up in the title race.

But a common criticism of Johnston during his time as Hoops player is that he has failed to handle the pressure of playing for the Glasgow giant - but he insists he has taken his lessons from the Scottish Premiership south of the border. He told the Express and Star: “The pressure at Celtic is massive. It’s a massive club and I don’t think people realise how big the pressure is. I’ve obviously been exposed to that from a young age. It’s definitely something I look forward to.

"I need the pressure to perform and we want to make the play-offs, which are big occasions and that’s the kind of games I want to play in. I’ve had experience and it’s put me in good stead to this point and I feel like I’m ready.

“This is a massive challenge in a big league, a tough league and different to what I’ve experienced before. I feel like I’ve got the tools to deal with it.”

He also earned praise from West Brom boss Carlos Corberan. The gaffer said post-match: “The second goal was all about having first-team players to come on and produce a moment like that. Mikey made a big difference to the result