"They'll probably sell him on" - Agent makes Mikey Johnston, Celtic claim as West Brom circle | OneFootball

Former Leeds United legend turned football agent Ian Harte says West Brom loanee Mikey Johnston must feel loved at Celtic, in the same way that he was at The Hawthorns.

The 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international joined the Baggies on a winter deadline day loan, and became a key figure in the club's fifth-placed finish last season.

Speaking via BBC Sport, Johnston said: "I want to hit the ground running and make an impact right away. I think the deal has been rumbling on since the start of the window, so I'm just happy to get it over the line.

"I was really keen as soon as I spoke to him. He's impressive. You know exactly what he needs from you and it's exactly the type of manager I like to work under."

And make an instant impact he would, as the winger quickly became a fan favourite amongst the fanbase, as it became evident that this move to the Midlands was a breath of fresh air for Johnston.

So, as he prepares to move back to Glasgow this summer, he looks to have given himself the best chance of kick-starting his career for the Hoops.

Harte says West Brom form was brilliant to see

Speaking on Johnston's time with Albion, via Best Payout Online Slots, Harte said:"I found him a bit frustrating at Celtic but he's got unbelievable talent. I'm not comparing him to Aidan McGeady, but he's really quick, can go outside and can go inside. He's dynamic. But for whatever reason, it's just not worked out at Celtic.

"Obviously he's come to England, and to be honest, he's been a breath of fresh air. It's been brilliant to see. Carlos Corberan makes sure that all players are fit and organised just like Marcelo Bielsa does. West Brom have had a very good season and for him to go down there and do so well, he’s put himself in the shop window.

"If it’s not going to work out at Celtic I'm sure they'll probably sell him on, they'll probably try and recoup a bit of money rather than lose him for a bargain.

"But it's always difficult because footballers move around quite a bit. But I think when you find somewhere you feel settled, you enjoy it and you feel loved by the fans and manager, it makes a big difference. That’s good man management and I think probably that's why he's done so well.

"Carlos probably pulled them talk and said to him ‘If you lose the ball, I don't care, but I want your reaction to be bang on and as soon as you lose it you get back in position. But be brave, take people on.’ That’s what you need. Obviously, the higher up you go in the Premier League and give it away, you’re more likely to be punished.

"You need those players in that team, though, because they're the ones that can win you games of football. Certain lads might need a kick in the backside or some might need a little arm around them. When Tony Mowbray was at Sunderland, he'd pull you into his office, he'd have a chat with you and talk to you for an hour. But it will be nothing about football.

"He talks about family and shows you pictures of where he lives or whatever. That’s what you need as when you cross that white line, you're going to go out and put your body on the line, you're going to run, you're going to tackle and you're going to head because you know that you have the trust and the backing of that manager.

"Every manager is different and every player is different but that's why there's kind of a fine line between knowing what lads need a little rocket and others need a pat on the back."

Johnston faces tough Celtic challenge ahead

Typically, after lighting up the Championship in the manner in which Johnston did during his short Baggies spell, most players would return to their parent clubs with a guarantee of first-team action.

But that might not be the case for Johnston as he makes his return to Celtic Park, as he faces competition from quality and proven players on the left wing in the form of Daizen Maeda and Luis Palma.

Johnston has struggled to make an impact in a Celtic shirt, having developed through their academy system before making his first-team debut in 2017.

Should he struggle to kick on once again for Celtic next season, the club may feel inclined to sell their academy graduate, and West Brom would surely scramble to sign him should that indeed be the case.

Johnston did admit via his Instagram that he'd wished things could've ended differently last season, having fell to play-off semi-final defeat to eventual promotion winners Southampton.

Who knows, perhaps he may well get that chance to rewrite history as a Baggies player once again in the not so distant future...