West Brom fans will no doubt be taking a keen interest in the future of Mikey Johnston over the summer.
The winger has been in excellent form since joining the Baggies on loan from Celtic in the January transfer window.
Johnston has so far scored six goals and provided one assist in just nine appearances for Carlos Corberan‘s side.
As a result, many connected with the club will be keen to see him back at The Hawthorns on a longer-term basis from next season.
However, John Hartson may just have delivered a blow to any hopes West Brom have of making that happen.
John Hartson gives prediction on Mikey Johnston future
Johnston has previously struggled to establish himself as a regular feature during his time at Celtic.
He made just a handful of appearances for the club during the first half of the season, before being loaned out to West Brom.
But despite that, Hartson – who played for both the Baggies and Celtic during his career – is confident that the 24-year-old will get another chance with his parent club next season.
Speaking about Johnston’s future on The Go Radio Football Show Podcast, the former Wales international said:
“Sometimes maybe a player needs to go out on loan to discover himself again and put in some good performances. He’s responded exactly how Brendan Rodgers will have wanted him to. Keep going, be positive and go do well at your loan club. Your stock is then a bit higher and one or two other clubs may be interested but Celtic hold the player.
“He’s a Celtic player. There is no doubt he will come back and there is no doubt he will have another opportunity at Celtic.”
Johnston’s form for West Brom has seen him called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for the March international break.
When he returns, the Baggies are next in action with a trip to The Den to face Millwall on Friday 29th March.
West Brom facing Mikey Johnston disappointment
It would be a huge blow for West Brom if Celtic did decide to give Johnston another opportunity next season.
The winger has been so good for Corberan’s side since he joined, making a massive impact in helping them close in on securing a play-off spot.
As a result, keeping him around would be a big boost for next season, given how he is thriving, regardless of what division they are in.
However, his form for West Brom is not going to have gone unnoticed. Indeed, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has already suggested his side will assess the situation in the summer.
With that in mind, it is perhaps understandable that Hartson expects him to be given another chance at Celtic.
Indeed, he has plenty of time remaining on his contract, and so they would not need to sell him if they do not want to.
As a result, some around West Brom may be growing wary of a frustrating summer when it comes to Johnston, given some of these recent updates.