Johnson wary of Bell comparisons
Michael Johnson’s burgeoning reputation has led to the 19-year-old being compared with some of the greats from Manchester City’s past – but the midfielder insists it is too soon for him to be put in that category.
Johnson has become a firm fixture in Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side – and there have even been suggestions that he is in the mould of 1970s star Colin Bell.
“I have heard a few people saying that and it’s flattering – but I don’t think you can make those comparisons after 20 games – maybe 200,” said the teenager.
“I am just enjoying myself, and it’s great at the moment. We are third in the league and now we have stay there for the rest of the season – and there is no reason why we can’t.”
City take on Birmingham tomorrow, with Sven-Goran Eriksson warning his players not to take a good result for granted, and Johnson insists there is no chance of that.
He added: “We know that Birmingham are very strong; they have had a few decent results against some of the bigger teams and made it tough for them to play.
“We hope we have the players to make the difference.”
Eriksson watched Birmingham’s recent match against Liverpool and was impressed by their steadfastness.
Eriksson said: “If we think it’s going to be an easy game then we will absolutely not win – there are no easy games in the Premier League at all any more.
“I will be speaking to the team when they are all here, and you can be sure I will tell them it’s stupid if we think it’s going to be easy.”
The City manager is hoping that jet-lag will not affect his Brazilian playmaker Elano, due back today after scoring for his country in a 5-0 win over Ecuador on Wednesday night.
Eriksson said: “When I was at Lazio I had two Argentinians, Crespo and Veron, and Salas – who played for Chile – and they would arrive back the day before.
“One of those found it difficult, but the others could handle it.
“It is better for us that he was only a substitute, because it means he will have had less chance of getting injured and be less physically tired.”
Stephen Ireland is available to play against Birmingham, after pulling out of the Republic of Ireland’s international squad last week for personal reasons.
“He has been training very hard and looks very good,” said Eriksson.
“He had to resolve some problems, and I think he is doing that.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future – but I am quite sure he will play very well for us.”
Italian striker Rolando Bianchi is expected to be on the bench, after returning from a groin injury.
