Express & Star

Sam Johnstone happy to be reunited with Gary Walsh at West Brom

Sam Johnstone is confident a reunion with coach Gary Walsh will benefit the Baggies.

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Sam Johnstone worked with Gary Walsh at Aston Villa.

Albion appointed Walsh as goalkeeping coach at the start of this month, and No.1 Johnstone has fond memories working with him.

Johnstone kept 22 clean sheets under Walsh at Villa last season, helping Steve Bruce’s men reach the play-off final.

The 25-year-old, who was signed in the summer for £6.5million, has only kept three clean sheets for Albion this season.

Although much of that is down to the different styles between Bruce and Darren Moore, Johnstone is targeting more shut-outs in the second half of the season.

“It’s great to have Walshy in,” said Johnstone. “He has been promoted before so he brings experience. He has worked with some good goalkeepers, I really enjoyed working with him previously so I’m happy he’s in.

“We know each other and hopefully he is happy he is working with me, Boaz (Myhill) and (Jonathan) Bondy.”

Johnstone has fond memories of working with Walsh at Villa, and believes he will be able to improve his game.

“He gives you little pointers,” added Albion’s No.1. “I’m open to discussing new things and where you can improve.

“He’s a very good coach and I’m happy he’s here and we’re working together again.

“He can bring me a lot of confidence. I think we’re finding great form now, I’m sure Walshy will slot right in and he’ll work us hard every day and improve us.”

There was two months in between former goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler leaving Albion for Villa and Walsh being hired.

During that time, academy goalkeeping coach Mark Naylor stepped up to the senior side, foregoing his Christmas break.

Johnstone kept back-to-back clean sheets for the first time this season Naylor.

“I want to say thanks to Nails,” added Johnstone. “He did a great job between Cuts leaving and Walshy coming in. I thanked him personally the other day – we went on a great run while he was doing it.

“I’ve seen before that the manager praised him and that’s just what a top guy he is, he dropped everything to help the goalkeeping department perform.”