Ireland manager gives honest Mikey Johnston assessment ahead of England clash

Ireland manager gives honest Mikey Johnston assessment ahead of England clash

Mikey Johnston’s license to thrill ensures that the West Brom star will always play on the edge. But, while Heimir Hallgrimsson wants to improve areas of the winger’s game, he also does not want to dampen his excitement.

Johnston went under the radar in the lead up to Thursday’s win against Finland having only played a little part role under the new Ireland boss.

Hallgrimsson’s 17-minute cameo in Athens was his only appearance since joining Ireland under Stephen Kenny.

But Ireland fans are aware that Johnston can thrill off the front foot, and Hallgrimsson had a firsthand look at that after starting him this week.

Johnston started on the left against Finland, but he was tasked with cutting inside in an inverted position, while fullback Callum O’Dowda was allowed to push high.

And Hallgrimsson said of former Celtic player Johnston: “He instills confidence in you, which everyone can see when he takes players on.

“Two times, he tried to dribble inside our own box, which is very ambitious, but he gives us confidence. “He also gives you really good crosses and when we have one or two strikers in the box, and fast wingers, that’s key.”

Hallgrimsson has warned Johnston not to take needless risks in and around the Ireland box while seeking to play out of difficulties. But he remarked, “It’s just a little too grandiose. Some may call it irresponsible, but he does something and we score a goal. “It’s similar to Festy (Ebosele) against Finland away, doing some magic and then we score a goal, so it’s always give and take.”

Ebosele, on loan from Watford, recovered from a knock to start at Aviva Stadium, with Hallgrimsson keeping an eye on both wingers while others were out due to injury.

And the Icelander like the mix of Ebosele’s speed and power with Johnston’s versatility.

“We need to have different kinds of players because if there’s a change in personnel in the team, the dynamic of the team doesn’t change,” according to him.

Get more related news on http://sportviewers.com