West Brom's Mikey Johnston eager to be 'difference maker' in Championship play-off race

The race for the top six could turn into one of the tightest in years - with nine points separating ten sides from fifth to 14th place.

Albion are currently sitting sixth on 52 points alongside Blackburn Rovers and Bristol City, heading into the weekend clash with Queens Park Rangers.

The Baggies' run in throws up a handful of games against sides who are also vying for a play-off spot - but according to winger Mikey Johnston, Albion's squad have tunnel vision in their approach to the season finale.

Johnston, who put in a sparkling performance in the draw at leaders Leeds last week, said: "Our focus is completely on ourselves for the final 11 games. 

“We don't look at anyone else in the table and we focus on trying to win our games. That’s what we can affect. We can’t affect other results between other teams.

“We’re going to be around it, as many teams are. The stars are in our hands and I don't think we can feel pressure in these situations. 

“These are the moments where we have to stand up and be counted for. 

“These are times as a player which make you want to be the one who's going to be the difference-maker in what is a massive point of the season.”

Six of Albion's finale eleven games are on home soil, starting with QPR on Saturday, with Marti Cifuentes men still in with an outside chance of sneaking into the play-off picture.

After Hull City come to The Hawthorns, Albion also welcome fellow top six contenders Watford, before home games against Derby and Cardiff at the end of the campaign.

Johnston added: "We know everyone is very much behind us and with a lot of our remaining games being at home, it makes it all the more important that we do well in them. 

“We definitely need the fans. They make a difference in games at home and the best example I can think of last year in this situation was the Southampton match in the play-offs. 

“It makes it enjoyable for everyone, but it makes the game a lot tougher for the opposition if it's a hostile atmosphere. 

“I haven’t played in too many atmospheres like that and we want to soak up moments like those more often at The Hawthorns and I hope there’s a few to come before the end of the season.”