SAM OUT TO BAG CALL-UP
Johnstone eyes England spot
The Hawthrons, tomorow, midday
SAM JOHNSTONE vows to keep “pushing” Jordan Pickford and England’s other leading shotstoppers as he targets a full international call-up.
The former Manchester United youngster has grabbed his chance to impress in the Premier League this term. The West Brom No.1 has made 43 saves already – one behind league leader Newcastle’s Karl Darlow.
And based on Opta’s Expected Goals data, Johnstone has prevented 1.6 goals this season, the most of any keeper in the division.
Little wonder he is candid about his England ambitions having pulled on the Three Lions jersey for the national sides from Under-16s to U-20s, leading him to dream of a full call-up.
“I hope so,” he said. “It is everybody’s dream. I would be proud to do if it happens. I knew I needed to get to the Premier League and perform to have that chance. I just need to keep performing for West Brom and catching the eye of Gareth Southgate and his staff.
“But Southgate came out and he said Pickford is his number one. Pickford has never let England down so it is not going to be an easy thing to do.
“Pickford is a very good goalkeeper, so is Nick Pope and Dean Henderson.
“But it is on my mind to try and achieve. I want to be in the thick of that and I want to be pushing them.” Johnstone is looking to shut out Crystal Palace tomorrow when they visit The Hawthorns.
But while Albion are near the foot of the
Premier League, he is at the top in terms of keepers d e n y i n g opponents expected goals.
“It’s nice to read and to be up there with the most of saves too,” added Johnstone. “It’s my first season in the Premier League and that helps your confidence.”
Johnstone joined United as a boy and spent 15 years there without making a first-team appearance, going out on loan to Scunthorpe, Walsall, Yeovil, Doncaster, Preston and Aston Villa.
He is relishing the Premier League after successive near-misses in the play-offs with Villa in 2018 and the Baggies in 2019.
But his mum Julie and dad Glenn, an ex- keeper for Preston, have been unable to see him live yet due to Covid19 restrictions.
Johnstone, said: “It is so tough for them. My family followed me to Scunthorpe and Walsall, to all these places in the freezing cold standing in the away end.
“I’ll have to get them an executive box to watch from when fans return.”
His 43 saves are second only to Newcastle’s Karl Darlow (44). Based on Expected Goals data, Johnstone has prevented 1.6 goals this season, the most of any goalkeeper in the division.