City ace AJ targets World Cup place
New Manchester City winger Adam Johnson believes he can gatecrash Fabio Capello’s England World Cup squad.
Roberto Mancini’s ВЈ7million capture from Middlesbrough has hit the ground running at Eastlands and his frightening pace and direct style has been a huge hit in the top flight already.
The 22-year-old, who has been likened to Ryan Giggs, made a superb home debut in the 2-0 win over Bolton and news of his impact is sure to have made Capello sit up and take note.
Competition for Capello’s 23-man squad is fierce, especially in the wide areas with David Beckham, Aaron Lennon, Theo Walcott, James Milner, Stewart Downing, Ashley Young and Shaun Wright-Phillips all gunning for inclusion.
But if Johnson can maintain his early promise he could emulate Walcott and become England’s surprise package – just as the Arsenal star did back in 2006 under Sven-Goran Eriksson.
“With the World Cup coming up, stranger things have happened. When I signed for City there were little things in my head telling me to make the move.
“In the Championship I wasn’t being seen, never mind being picked for England. I needed to be on the TV and getting talked about, which wasn’t happening.
“When the opportunity came up to leave Middlesbrough and join a big club, things like England became a factor.
“I hope I can make the jump and go to South Africa with England. I’ve got to continue to play like I did in my first home game and then I might get a sniff. I’ve had no indication, just some banter with the lads about it, but nothing concrete yet,” said Johnson.
Johnson has admitted basing his game on Manchester United star Giggs and City boss Mancini also believes his style resembles the Welsh wizard.
Johnson added: “I have modelled my game on Giggs, he’s been the best player in England for the past 20 years.
“I wanted to further my career and I wanted to join the biggest club I could when the opportunity came.”
February 22, 2010
Posted in: Premier League
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