Mikey Johnston vents Celtic 'frustration' and reveals why he simply had to leave

Mikey Johnston says he simply HAD to leave Celtic on deadline day for the good of his career.

But while it was getting frustrating not starting games under Brendan Rodgers, he reckons the Parkhead pressure has him well set to be a West Brom smash hit. Johnston joined the Baggies on loan on deadline day and after a couple of sub appearances to get him up to speed, he was unleashed from the start by Carlos Corberan against Cardiff last night.

And he repaid his boss within seconds, scoring the opening goal virtually straight from kick-off, converting a Tom Fellows cross to set the tone for a comfortable 2-0 win. Johnston could return to Celtic in the summer with time still to run on his contract but some impressive early performances have led to a clamour for West Brom to keep him already. And the Ireland star says a move away was a must to get him playing again.

He said: "The Championship is a great place for someone's career. I wasn't getting the minutes I wanted at Celtic - I was playing but it was sporadic. Sometimes I'd play well and score and then wouldn't play the next game - it was frustrating.

"It was important for me to get out of Celtic to be honest and when West Brom came up, it's a great opportunity. We want to make the play-offs, those are the big occasions I want to play in.

"The pressure at Celtic's massive. I don't think people realise how big the pressure is. It's something I've been exposed to from a young age and it's definitely something I'm looking forward to - I need the pressure to perform.

"It's a massive challenge in a big, tough league - different to what I've experienced before - but I feel like I've got the tools to deal with it. It doesn't feel like a step down. It's another massive club in a