Johnson recalled to England Under 21s

November 05, 2009

INTERNATIONAL CALL: Michael Johnson (centre)

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."

What do you think? Have your say.

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Peter Beagrie`s beagle (05/11/2009 at 09:53)

Great news, it can only be good for the lad, come on Johnno! CTID

Taggart , Ulverston (05/11/2009 at 09:54)

Great news for Johnno. And a couple of games will contribute further to his fitness

WAS IT REALLY 37 YEARS, TAMESIDE (05/11/2009 at 09:54)

FANTASTIC NEWS - I HOPE MICHAEL CAN PUT ALL HIS 'INJURY' PROBLEMS BEHIND HIM. THIS SHOULD BOOST HIS CONFIDENCE AND GIVE HIM BELIEF IN HIS ABILITIES.

The Colin - Leeds, Over the hills and far away (Mancunian Reject) (05/11/2009 at 10:06)

I've said it before and I'll say it again, he really didn't look too chuffed after scoring against Scunthorpe.

karen tyler (05/11/2009 at 10:20)

Hope we don't have another player injured on international duty!!
If he plays for them he should come back and start for us!

Eric, Dutch (05/11/2009 at 10:26)

Great news as it shows how hugly Johnson is rated. But, and that is a big BUT, the City medicalstaff must be absolutely sure these extra games don't hamper his road to full fitness. To be honest, I can't even understand why Pearce picked a player that ha'sn't played a full game for nearly 2 years and is probably not even 100% matchfit.

paulo jackson (05/11/2009 at 10:29)

I am pleased for the lad, but i hope he doesn't try too much too soon and get himself injured again!!!

Jack Thorley Trafford, Timperley (05/11/2009 at 10:32)

You have to admit that old Stuart still has a soft spot for his old club,Hart,Onuoha,Richards all have been selected by him no sign of any 'sour grapes' here!

Phil , Sacramento, CA U.S.A. (05/11/2009 at 11:12)

Eric, Dutch: Do you think that MCFC"s medical staff would clear MJ for selection for the U-21's if he wasn't up to it? What happened to your previously unshakeable knowledge that the club can do no wrong? Or does that supreme confidence extend only to Mark Hughes? You know, the fellow you say is a superior manager with superior results to Mourinho. In your own private backyard universe, of course...

Blue_heart (05/11/2009 at 11:14)

I'm very very pleased that Michael is moving in the right direction. I think he's been through a difficult time over the last 12 months or so. Injuries can get into your head and as we all know sometimes a niggle of an injury has its roots in another problem and once it gets into the minds subconscious that can be as hard to overcome as the injury itself.

It's good Michael is on the road out of his problems I hope he realises how much the City fans want to see him make a full recovery and get to a level where he can get a starting place in the City side and long term maybe try and get into the full England squad.

I agree with The Colin - Leeds his body language was not to good after he scored against Scunthorpe but I'm sure as his self confidence grows he will become more and more positive about himself. His team mates looked very pleased for him; I think that shows he is highly regarded amongst them.

I'm hoping that by the New Year he will be back to the Michael Johnson we all know him to be and hopefully even better.

As we saw with Paul Gascoigne talent can sometime carry with it a burden of some kind. If Michael is such a talent I hope with all my Blue heart that he has shaken it off and out of his young football life. He is one of the calmest players I have seen on a football pitch and he just oozes quality. Someone on these pages said if he develops to his potential he could become our Steven Gerrard and I have to agree.

So well done Michael for fighting your way back from a difficult time it will serve you well in the future to have overcome this dark period.

All true City fans are right behind you, keep up the good work!

Brisbane Blue (05/11/2009 at 11:16)

The Colin - Leeds,

I expect his reaction was more one of relief than anything. Given the length of time he's had out and all the uncertainty about his future career I would imagine that his goal would set his emotions off in all directions.

Brisbane Blue (05/11/2009 at 11:32)

Eric

"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."

This doesn't mean that he will get any match time. In other codes it's common for players that have suffered long term injuries to get an invite. Pearce knows Johnno as well as anyone and he certainly recognises the boost that MJ would get from being a part of the set up once more.

I might be wrong but I am sure that MH and MB will be talking to Pearcey about MJ's limitations.

The Colin - Leeds, Over the hills and far away (Mancunian Reject) (05/11/2009 at 11:37)

Brisbane Blue - My thoughts exactly, either that or he was a little emotional.

Chapman (05/11/2009 at 12:07)

Top man.

I hope it's not too long before Michael Johnson is starting matches for Manchester City and England.

Benny MCFC, Manchester (05/11/2009 at 13:20)

Crumbs. You forget that he is only 21. Nice one MJ, good luck!

PO (05/11/2009 at 13:25)

Madness, he's not fully back playing for us yet, why risk injury by playing for England at this stage.

tim kelly (05/11/2009 at 13:55)

Pretty much like Lake, Flitcroft and Lomas, having an 'experienced' pro, Barry, to help and advise on the pitch (McMahon and Reid) will really bring the lad on. Having to learn of Barton wouldn't have really brought the best out of him. Flitcroft, for instance, stopped developing once the old heads had left him to grasp the mettle.

Dukinfield Blue, Manchester (05/11/2009 at 16:05)

Eric, Dutch,
5/11/2009 at 10:26 - are you talking about the same medical staff that gave the OK to sign santa cripple for £17 Million when he clearly has only one leg.
Oh yeah, I keep forgeting that its the same medical staff who get all their orders from the great Mark Hughes so it must be all right. Hughes better than Mourinho?, on what planet is that mate?

Rick Jenks, Bury (05/11/2009 at 17:30)

Stuart knows a good player when he sees one.

Hart, Onouha, Johnson, Barry, Bridge, Lescott, SWP and Richards on the plane to South Africa!

Lagos Kev, Nigeria West Africa (05/11/2009 at 19:14)

Great news for the lad. This will be a great boost for him to know that the football establishment still have faith in him. Stuart will have consulted Don Fabio no doubt.

This kid is the real deal by the way. In a different football era, Liverpool wanted to sign him, remember. Once he gets his fitness back we could build our midfield around him, he has a great touch, physical presence, and scores goals. Lets get behind him, he is one of ours.

Come on Johnno put it in on the training ground we want you back where you were.

Bobby Johnstone's left kneecap, Hong Kong (06/11/2009 at 03:13)

Another step in the right direction for a class young player who has taken undeserved flck on here. I cannot for the life of me fathom out why each season there is a City player who is singled out for rough treatment on here or on the pitch. Stephen Ireland, two seasons ago, Richard Dunne, last seaon and this season it is Micah Richards (who, like MJ is still only 21 years old). Given 100% encouragement, all City players would do better for our club.
Well done Michael and lets hope that it is just another small step on your way to full recovery.

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