Carlos Corberan makes 'growing' point on West Brom goal hero and fumes at Championship scheduling

Johnston netted his first goals since a £3million late summer move from Celtic - his first strikes for the Baggies since scoring in April.

His two goals arrived in the final 10 minutes of a tricky first half against Bristol City, who had held their own in an even first period but were very much kept at arm's length after the break by a confident home side.

"It's important for him to score the goal, because it'll help him to keep growing as a player," Corberan said.

"In some moments, when you know that you are scoring goals the previous year, you have a responsibility. You should be free to go again with this feeling.

"Today, the players, Johnston - and (John) Swift - for me, it was necessary for them to give a step forward. Johnston scored the goals and Swift was key to help our fluidity in the second half."

Johnston nodded in Tom Fellows' cross for a 34th-minute opener - just the second header of his career - but curled in a fine finish to cap a wonderful flowing team move on the stroke of half-time.

Despite that two-goal salvo, Corberan admitted he did not think Johnston had the best first 45 minutes. The boss said: "It's very important he finishes the action in the level he has.

"For me he didn't do a very good first half, but you cannot say this when a player scores two goals! They are only going to help him achieve the level he has."

Corberen, meanwhile, confirmed fellow attacker Karlan Grant is set to miss up to a week with a hamstring complaint that ruled him out of the Robins clash. The head coach is hopeful with Grant's physical levels he might have an outside chance at a Boxing Day recovery.

The Baggies go again for a second in a row of five games in 14 days on the road at Derby County on Boxing Day.

Corberan was keen to make his feelings known about the fact Albion head to the East Midlands on the back of a Sunday afternoon fixture, while the hosts played last Friday night, giving the best part of 48 hours more recovery time.

An animated Corberan described the decision as "madness", as well as "unfair" for his side. As well as Grant the Baggies are missing left-back Callum Styles to head into the chaotic period.

"Bristol City and us are going to be the teams who suffer in this period," Corberan added. "Teams like Derby County are going to play four games in a row - we are going to play five.

"They have a week for the Thursday game, while we only played on Sunday. It is a physical disadvantage. It is madness.

"Playing against a team at this time of the season, who have had two days' more recovery is unfair. We cannot say we aren't going for results, it's my responsibility, but it's too much. Five games in a row.

"We shouldn't have played today, knowing the games coming. We should've played Saturday, like the other teams in the Championship. We have only three days in between and it will be difficult from the physical perspective. It is what it is."