MANCHESTER City midfielder Michael Johnson has been recalled to the England Under-21 squad for clashes against Portugal and Lithuania.

The 21-year-old is closing on a full recovery from a long-term abdominal injury and has made two appearances for City this season, including a goalscoring performance against Scuntrhope in the Carling Cup.

Coach Stuart Pearce, former Blues boss, said: "Michael Johnson has had a massive absence from injury for a long, long time, so being in the squad will be a big lift for him."

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