Who needs Tom Fellows - How far is Mikey Johnston off breaking former academy star's West Brom's assist numbers

He could and should have had many, many more throughout the campaign with all the chances he created for Albion's forward line.

Back in the summer, when Fellows departed for Southampton, there was a real worry as to where Albion's ammunition would come from.

Samuel Iling-Junior came in as the direct replacement for the Fellow - but has so far failed to hit the heights of the academy star.

Aside from the odd assist and that stunning strike against Leicester City earlier in the campaign - it hasn't happened for him in an attacking sense.

But, luckily Albion have had a man who has stepped up to the plate.

Last season Johnston made a pretty decent contribution with assist and goals - although many fans saw his first permanent campaign at the club as one that had failed to hit the heights of his initial six month loan spell.

That is probably true - but he was on fire during that period.

However, this season, he has risen to the top of the assist charts.

He so far has nine in the league - with his latest coming for Nat Phillips' winner in the win over Bristol City.

That sees him go one clear of Marcelino Nunez and Ryan Giles in the assist standings - as we head into the new year.

And it is fair to say that if Johnston says fit - then there is no doubt about it that he will end up with more assists than Fellows did last season.

Fellows had 14 which leaves Johnston just nine shy. The former Celtic man could easily beat it, and then some.