‘Outstanding’: Gary Lineker singles West Brom player out for praise in today’s game

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West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has been praised by Gary Lineker for his superb save in the Baggies’ Premier League game today.

The BBC Sport pundit also tipped the 27-year-old for an England call-up in the near future.

West Brom signed Johnstone in the summer of 2018 – after they had been relegated to the Championship – from Manchester United for a reported £6.5million fee.

Although the 27-year-old’s time at The Hawthorns hasn’t been without the odd criticism, he has taken superbly to life back in the top flight, despite Albion struggling as a whole.

The Baggies are in dire straits currently, sitting 19th in the table, eight points adrift of safety with nine games left to play.

Sam Allardyce’s charges were beaten at Crystal Palace on Saturday, afternoon courtesy of a 37th-minute Luka Milivojevic penalty.

Johnstone made a good save from the Eagles skipper before the spot kick, and then pulled off a stunning save to deny Christian Benteke.

And Lineker was impressed with the player’s efforts:

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West Brom remain deep in relegation trouble and you can’t help but wonder how much worse off they’d be were it not for Johnstone.

Could Johnstone remain with the Baggies should they return to the Championship?

Given his contract only runs until 2022 and he’s proven he’s more than capable in the Premier League, meaning very likely interest from top-flight suitors, you’d sadly have to say it’s not likely.