The Mikey Johnston Celtic truth bomb from Brendan Rodgers that winger has vindicated in West Brom revival

In-form Mikey Johnston is shining for West Brom - leaving Celtic fan scratching their heads over why he struggled to find top gear at Parkhead this term.

And among those who have been left baffled will be Brendan Rodgers - after he read the Ireland international the riot act earlier this season as he set the bar high for Johnston and challenged him to claim a starting spot. The 24-year-old appears to have heard the message loud and clear - but not to Celtic's benefit with the attacker becoming a key part of West Brom's push for the English Premier League.

The on-loan Celtic winger fired in his third goal since his January move in the early stages of their Championship clash with Coventry - as he curled the ball in from the left hand side of the box with just five minutes on the clock. The result moves the Baggies up to fifth in the table - and in position to claim a playoff spot as a minimum.

It marks a rapid turnaround in fortunes for Johnston away from the Celtic Park spotlight. Following the 4-1 win over Hibs in December, Rodgers didn't hold back as he demanded more from the wide man.

He said: "Mikey needs to do more, that is the reality. He's not young. He is 24. At some time you need to grab the bull by the horns and be aggressive. It can be easier coming off the bench, it doesn't feel like pressure.

"You can come in and show your qualities. If any player wants to be starting here you have to have that personality to come in and play. But he's been really good in training and earned the start. Hopefully if he gets more starts he can show more of his qualities."

And speaking after the win over Coventry Johnston appears to have heard the message loud and clear - as he declared he was backing his ability to succeed