Sam Johnstone outlines England ambitions as Slaven Bilic salutes West Brom goalkeeper

Johnstone has been a standout performer for the Baggies in what is his first season in the Premier League.

And though the 27-year-old acknowledges others are currently ahead of him in the international pecking order, he hopes his performances have at least been enough to catch the eye of Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.

“It is everybody’s dream to play for your country,” said Johnstone, who featured for England’s youth teams up to under-20 level.

“I knew that I needed to play in the Premier League and perform to have that chance and hopefully I am in the minds of the staff.

“Hopefully in the near future it will be something that happens. I just need to keep performing for West Brom and catching the eye of Gareth Southgate.”

Johnstone continued: “He (Southgate) came out and said Pickford is his number one.

“He’s a very good goalkeeper – so are Nick Pope and Dean Henderson. I want to be in the thick of that as well and I want to be pushing them.

“I have been there as a kid and now I am in the Premier League playing and I want to get into that set-up.

“There are a lot of good English goalkeepers around and it is not going to be easy. But it is something I want to do and it would be a dream come true.”

Bilic has been delighted with how Johnstone has stepped up after helping Albion win promotion last season.

“He didn’t have experience in the Premier League so there was always a question of how would he do, the same as it is for outfield players,” said the boss.

“Touch wood, he has been great for us. We need him in every game and he has taken the responsibility in a great way and is among them (the best English keepers).

“We are proud to have him. At the moment England have a few good young goalkeepers.

“A few years ago there weren’t many English goalkeepers starting in the Premier League. Now there is great competition and Sam is definitely one of them.”

Bilic continued: “People are starting to recognise him and if he continues like this he has a good chance in the future to become a member of the national team.

“That is the aim and the goal for every sportsman. It’s not something I have spoken about to him but it is not something he has to worry about.

“It will come naturally. If he continues to play like this, there will be a greater chance the manager calls him.

“But does he have the quality? Yes. I see him every day. I watch him every game. I know his qualities and how good he is.

“It is great for England to have a number of goalkeepers at such a great age. Is Sam getting in that group? For me, he is.”