In addition to the fact that they had defeated Burnley, a rival for promotion, to get him, it was a coup.

When West Brom secured a deal to sign Mikey Johnston on a permanent basis this summer, it seemed like a fantastic bit of business by the club.

The Ireland international had spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at The Hawthorns, where he established himself as an important figure in Carlos Corberan’s XI.

Johnston helped Albion to a top six finish, and whilst they would ultimately lose out over two legs to Southampton, the winger will have been pleased with his contribution in that period.

Mikey Johnston move looked like a good deal for West Brom

In total, Johnston managed seven goals and two assists in 20 appearances, which was an excellent return.

And, that didn’t tell the whole story, as Johnston was a joy to watch, with many of his seven goals coming due to outstanding individual brilliance.

Therefore, when it was announced that Albion had agreed a £3m fee to sign the player from Celtic, it looked like a shrewd bit of business.

Albion were getting a player who had proven he could adapt to Corberan’s methods, he had shown his class in the Championship, and at 25, Johnston should be entering his peak years. So, it was a coup, and the fact they had beaten Burnley, a promotion rival, to his signature was an added bonus.

Mikey Johnston hasn’t rediscovered his best form at West Brom this season

Yet, for whatever reason, Johnston has failed to hit those heights this season, along with the rest of the Albion team.

Whilst they are unbeaten in ten, they have drawn nine games in that period, which is quite incredible, and it means they have lost ground in the race for promotion, with Corberan’s side now outside the play-off places.

Of course, it’s a team problem, but the fact Albion are drawing so often shows they are still very competitive.

So, the issue is that they are lacking that killer instinct in the final third, and Johnston has to take some of the responsibility for that.