Mikey Johnston explains why he was failing at Celtic

Since his loan move from Celtic to West Bromwich Albion late in the winter transfer window, Mikey Johnston has been in great form. He has been outperforming all expectations compared to his time with the Hoops and to last season's loan spell in Portugal with Vitoria Guimaraes SC. That has raised questions about what has changed for him in the Championship.

Johnston seems to be playing with a lot more swagger and is certainly much more effective in front of goal. He has got six goals to his name there in just ten games. For Celtic, he has just 13 goals from 92 appearances.

Perhaps confidence had been a problem for him at Celtic. Especially with high expectations since his academy days and limited opportunities in Glasgow.

Johnston has explained the difference between life at West Brom and Celtic. In doing so, questions have been raised about the lack of opportunities at Parkhead. As reported by Birmingham Live, he said:

"It feels more like it's my position to lose here and I just need to keep performing every week but it's always good to have competition for places. We've got guys with quality coming back, experienced lads too like Matty Phillips and we'll need to lean on lads like that towards the end of the season.

"It just feels like I needed a run of games to play in my position and have some trust from my teammates and the manager. I've had that while I've been here and it's what's helped me kick on. Earlier in my career I had a lot of injuries, was in and out and was always trying to establish myself. I'd maybe start one week, then not the next and it's always hard when you're consistently not playing. That's what I've need and that's what I've been getting at Albion."

Johnston explains why he was failing at Celtic

Certainly, Johnston struggled with injuries in his time at Celtic. That often disrupted his availability and left him struggling to get back into the first team, as others moved ahead of him in the pecking order during his absence.

When he did get those rare chances, Johnston didn't really make the most of them. There were good performances here and there but the consistency simply was not.

It always seemed that his decision-making and ability to get past his defender was lacking or at best inconsistent. That may be down to a lack of game time, which did not allow him to find his rhythm. Most Celtic fans had given up on the idea of Johnston succeeding at the club as well. Perhaps he has found a better home for his abilities at West Brom.