Ryan Mason believes winger's assist spike proof West Brom attack will flourish in time
Albion boss Ryan Mason is encouraged by Mikey Johnston's spike in assists this term and feels his attack will blossom in time.
Johnston's pair of assists in the first half against Coventry last weekend - before he was controversially withdrawn at half-time - were his fifth and sixth of the season.
It already takes the Republic of Ireland winger beyond last season's tally of four with Mason's previously goal-shy Albion showing early signs of improvement in the final third.
"Those are the outcomes that we want, and our attacking players need to produce numbers," Mason said ahead of Saturday's visit of lowly Swansea.
"The same with Bo (Aune Heggebo), Josh (Maja), all of our attacking players, we want goals and we want assists.
"Against Oxford and Coventry we scored four very similar goals, which is good for us and something we need to keep work on and doing.
"I've said all along once the relationships develop and grow it will be more beneficial to us."
A front four of Johnston on one flank, Karlan Grant on the other and Isaac Price in support of Aune Heggebo has given Albion more teeth in attack in the last three fixtures.
Heggebo has been given the nod over Josh Maja who has failed to return with any sharpness, with Samuel Iling-Junior having to bide his time in reserve as Johnston catches the eye.
"Definitely," Mason said of Johnston's ability on the right side. "Different games mean utilising space in different ways.
"We knew against Oxford it was impossible for him to play on the right, he played on the left and had a really good game and good relationship with Callum (Styles).
"For others we've thought it more beneficial on the right. I'm sure throughout the season he will play on the left and right."
Mason added: "Pricey is still young and Bo is still developing relationships with the other players.
"We created some situations (against Coventry) that we didn't make count and we want to try to change that as quickly as possible."
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