Sam Johnstone: West Brom must show no mercy

It's top versus bottom in the Championship tonight with the Tykes heading to The Hawthorns having won just one of their 12 league games this season.

Their poor run of form led to them sacking manager Daniel Stendel before the international break.

But they secured a decent a draw against Swansea on Saturday. And with the visitors expected to defend deep and sit behind the ball tonight, Johnstone is expecting a tough game.

"A lot of teams do sit back against us – a lot of teams did it last year," the 26-year-old said.

"If teams are open against us we have the players to pick them off.

"I think everyone has to be patient because we will always get chances.

"But we have to stay switched on so we don’t make games difficult for ourselves.

"It’s alright winning at Middlesbrough but we have to go and win again tonight.

"To be a good team, you have to do it consistently."

Johnstone has been in excellent form for the Baggies over the past few months – with the glovesman making outstanding double saves against both Leeds and Boro.

And he believes working hard in training has been the secret to his success.

"There have been a few good saves," he continued.

"I enjoying my football and I'm pleased with how I'm playing.

"But I’ve said before it's a team effort. I don’t get too high when times are going good and I don’t get too low when they are not.

"I like to think I stay the same no matter what. I work hard every day with the goalkeepers with Walshy (goalkeeping coach Gary Walsh). Thankfully that is showing on the pitch."

Albion's clean sheet at Boro was only their second this season. But for Johnstone, winning games is the only thing that matters.

"I’ll take no clean sheets for the rest of the season as long as we go up," he added.

"It is what it is but I think games like Boro show clean sheets are important. We were able to build from that and go and get the win.

"It was the second of the season – we are getting there."