JOHNSTONE FITS THE BIL ON HIS WAY BACK TO THEATRE OF DREAMS

SLAVEN BILIC says West Brom keeper Sam Johnstone has already proved he was right to quit Manchester United.

Johnstone returns to Old Trafford for the first time since his £6.5million move two years ago.

The 27-year-old had been at the Theatre of Dreams since he was aged 10, but always found himself back stage.

Loan spells around the country only served to convince the big stopper that it was time to further his career out of David De Gea’s shadow. Now he goes back as an accomplished Premier League player with Bilic hoping he doesn’t have to show just what he can do!

Johnstone (right) stands in the way of United and their first home win of the season.

Albion boss Bilic said: “It’s a special game for him. He’s a very good goalkeeper and we’re very happy to have him.

“It’s a big thing for him because he spent his childhood there, came through their system. Sam very quickly proved that he was a Premier League goalkeeper.

“He’s doing a great job and we need him. In every game so far, he’s made one or two top saves.

“When you are playing such strong opposition week-in, week-out, it’s important that you have someone behind you who gives you confidence.”

Bilic said he had no real doubts his keeper would cut it in the big league but admits promotion from the Championship inevitably puts all players under scrutiny. He added: “We didn’t have doubts about him personally – but then again there are always question marks about everyone in the team purely because you have changed your level.

“You have gone upwards as a team and it is up to players to make that step, too.

“All the players who hadn’t played in the Premier League had question marks over them.”

The Baggies boss says his winless side must take heart from the way they played against

Tottenham last time out, despite losing 1-0 to a late Harry Kane goal. He added: “You can be gutted and say to yourself, ‘How come we are losing when we are playing so good?’

“Of course you are disappointed – it’s natural. But, playing badly and deserving nothing is far worse.

“We will have to be on top of our game, but we are ready.

“The way we played against Tottenham has to be our standard.”