Mixed West Brom international fortunes with match-winning assist, full debut and red card
Mikey Johnston inspired Republic of Ireland with a match-winning assist as the Albion winger continued where he left off before the break.
The summer signing from Celtic laid on the game’s only goal for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson as Ireland, managed by Heimir Hallgrimsson, condemned visitors Finland to relegation from Nations League B Group 2.
Johnston caught the eye throughout and his assist was a fine piece of skill with a couple of stepovers to bamboozle the Finnish full-back before a pinpoint cross to the back post was powered home by towering striker Ferguson.
The winger’s assist and overall display will please club boss Carlos Corberan, who saw Johnston deliver his most effective display as a permanent Baggies player on the eve of the break as Albion snapped a winless run with a victory at Hull, where Johnston was heavily involved in both goals.
Ireland also had Liverpool goalkeeper Caiomhin Kelleher to thank for a late penalty save from Joel Pohjanpalo.
Baggies midfielder Jayson Molumby played the final 15 minutes as the hosts saw out an important victory at the Aviva Stadium.
Johnston and Molumby are pushing to be involved from the off in Sunday’s afternoon’s final group clash against England at Wembley (5pm). With a third-placed finish in the group, Ireland will enter a play-off next year.
