Karlan Grant hoping to forge partnership with West Brom wing star

Grant netted his third goal of the season to help Albion to a 2-1 victory at Hull prior to the international break and end a troublesome winless spell.

It was the first time Grant and Johnston had started together for Carlos Corberan's side as both typically favour a role out to the left side of the Baggies' attack.

Johnston, the £3million capture from Celtic whose impressive loan was made permanent in the summer, has had to kick his heels in a wait to break into Corberan's first XI and the clash at Hull was just a third start for the Republic of Ireland international.

The pair combined well with Johnston on the left and Grant up front, particular in an eye-catching first half for the visitors, and the latter reckons it could be the start of things to come.

"He's a very good player," Grant told BBC Radio WM. "He's probably had to bide his time a little bit, more than he probably wanted to, but he came into the side and it was nice to play with him.

"I've had little cameos with him when he's come on but we came off together today and there were glimpses of us interchanging, I enjoyed it."

Johnston rode several challenges to feed Grant for his deflected opener at the MKM Stadium. The winger also lifted in the cross nodded down by Darnell Furlong as top scorer Josh Maja made it two for the Baggies.

Another summer signing Callum Styles has started the last three games at left-back due to injuries to others and Styles combined well with Johnston and Grant down Albion's left in Hull.

"He's looking good. He's only small out there!" Grant smiled. "I can imagine him getting targeted a lot.

"I think he's more of a natural midfielder but he's taken that role in his stride."I think the back four again, it's credit to them, they've been good. We've been challenged with injuries and stuff but they've stepped up."