MIKEY JOHNSTON played in Celtic’s first step towards next weekend’s Scottish Cup Final when the holders overcame Buckie Thistle 5-0 at Parkhead on January 21.
The tricky Republic of Ireland winger may have been entertaining dreams of being involved in the showpiece occasion at Hampden later in the season.
Tonight, though, Johnston’s focus will be on Wembley as he hopes to play a major role in West Brom’s push for a return to the English top-flight.
CUP THAT CHEERS…Mikey Johnston congratulates Rocco Vata after the teen ace scored his first Celtic goal in the 5-0 victory over Buckie Thistle in January.
The 25-year-old Glaswegian joined the Midlands club on loan 10 days after the Hoops’ win over the Highlanders and is likely to get the nod to face Southampton at St Mary’s in the second leg of the Championship Play-Off semi-final this evening.
The first confrontation at the Hawthorns ended in a scoreless stalemate, so Johnston and Co know what they face this time around.
Leeds United booked their place in the other final spot following their comprehensive 4-0 victory over Norwich City at Elland Road last night following the 0-0 draw in the first leg at Carrow Road.
The lucrative shoot-out for a place in the Premier League will take place at England’s national stadium a week on Sunday, 24 hours after Brendan Rodgers’ men take on Philippe Clement’s Ibrox side at Hampden.
ON THE MOVE…Mikey Johnston in action for West Brom.
If Johnston is involved in the Wembley occasion and helps propel West Brom back into the big-time it will add to his transfer value.
The wide Bhoy, who is under contract at Parkhead until June 2026, could make the switch on a permanent basis in the summer – if the price is right.
For the time being, though, all eyes are on the south coast where one of Johnston’s main rivals could be his former Celtic team-mate Stuart Armstrong.
