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Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson not impressed with defender Glen Johnson
By JOHN EDWARDS Last updated at 11:40 PM on 12th November 2010
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Glen Johnson is facing an uncertain Liverpool future after having his England credent ial s called into question by his club manager Roy Hodgson.
In a blunt assessment of his performances so far this season, Johnson was told he may not warrant a place in Liverpool's starting line-up, let alone England's, after returning to training this week and hoping for a recall at Stoke today.
Out of touch: Liverpool's Glen Johnson
Hodgson admitted fitness should be the only issue over Johnson's inclusion but pointedly added that form was also a consideration and that the 26-year-old right back had struggled to justify his England status at club level this season.
Risking the wrath of the £18million signing, who may take exception to such stinging criticism after six weeks on the sidelines, the Liverpool boss said: 'The big thing with Glen Johnson is whether he is fit enough to play any part at Stoke. That is the major question, rather than the selection process, because he is England's right back, and if he plays like an England right back, you would expect him to get his place back.
'But he would have to be playing like an England right back for that to happen, and up to now this season, to be quite frank, he has not performed at the level you would expect. Not very often, anyway.
'The reasons? You would have to ask him that. Perhaps you should ask him, "Do you think you are playing at the top of your form? Do you think you are really performing like the best right back in the country when you play for your club?" If the answer is "yes", then we will have to agree to differ. If it is "no", you could ask him why not.'
Juventus have added Johnson to their list of new year targets and could step up their interest in the wake of comments intended to galvanise the former Portsmouth defender but which may alienate him instead.
Back in training: Glen Johnson must force his way back into the team
After establishing himself for England with his attacking forays down the right, he is unlikely to take kindly to being told he faces a battle to dislodge 20-year-old rookie Martin Kelly from Liverpool's starting line-up.
Liverpool-born Kelly made only his second Barclays Premier League start of the season in Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Wigan at the DW Stadium, but still came in for glowing praise for the way he handled his first, against Chelsea three days earlier.
'If you asked me if anyone has surprised me this season, Kelly would be the first name I would mention,' said Hodgson.
'Chelsea was a really tough fixture to throw him into, because they are at their best when they attack down the left, and there is many a right back who would not relish a test like that. But he came through really well and played his part in an excellent win.'
Christian Poulsen is pressing for a starting place at the Britannia, in a selection that would give Steven Gerrard more freedom to support Fernando Torres up front.
'When I sent on Poulsen for the last 15 minutes or so against Wigan, it enabled Steven to push forward more and add a bit to our attacking endeavours,' said Hodgson. 'It almost won the game for us, because Steven was very unlucky with a shot that came back off the underside of the bar.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz157Gmixku
By JOHN EDWARDS Last updated at 11:40 PM on 12th November 2010
Comments (0)
Add to My Stories
Glen Johnson is facing an uncertain Liverpool future after having his England credent ial s called into question by his club manager Roy Hodgson.
In a blunt assessment of his performances so far this season, Johnson was told he may not warrant a place in Liverpool's starting line-up, let alone England's, after returning to training this week and hoping for a recall at Stoke today.
Out of touch: Liverpool's Glen Johnson
Hodgson admitted fitness should be the only issue over Johnson's inclusion but pointedly added that form was also a consideration and that the 26-year-old right back had struggled to justify his England status at club level this season.
Risking the wrath of the £18million signing, who may take exception to such stinging criticism after six weeks on the sidelines, the Liverpool boss said: 'The big thing with Glen Johnson is whether he is fit enough to play any part at Stoke. That is the major question, rather than the selection process, because he is England's right back, and if he plays like an England right back, you would expect him to get his place back.
'But he would have to be playing like an England right back for that to happen, and up to now this season, to be quite frank, he has not performed at the level you would expect. Not very often, anyway.
'The reasons? You would have to ask him that. Perhaps you should ask him, "Do you think you are playing at the top of your form? Do you think you are really performing like the best right back in the country when you play for your club?" If the answer is "yes", then we will have to agree to differ. If it is "no", you could ask him why not.'
Juventus have added Johnson to their list of new year targets and could step up their interest in the wake of comments intended to galvanise the former Portsmouth defender but which may alienate him instead.
Back in training: Glen Johnson must force his way back into the team
After establishing himself for England with his attacking forays down the right, he is unlikely to take kindly to being told he faces a battle to dislodge 20-year-old rookie Martin Kelly from Liverpool's starting line-up.
Liverpool-born Kelly made only his second Barclays Premier League start of the season in Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Wigan at the DW Stadium, but still came in for glowing praise for the way he handled his first, against Chelsea three days earlier.
'If you asked me if anyone has surprised me this season, Kelly would be the first name I would mention,' said Hodgson.
'Chelsea was a really tough fixture to throw him into, because they are at their best when they attack down the left, and there is many a right back who would not relish a test like that. But he came through really well and played his part in an excellent win.'
Christian Poulsen is pressing for a starting place at the Britannia, in a selection that would give Steven Gerrard more freedom to support Fernando Torres up front.
'When I sent on Poulsen for the last 15 minutes or so against Wigan, it enabled Steven to push forward more and add a bit to our attacking endeavours,' said Hodgson. 'It almost won the game for us, because Steven was very unlucky with a shot that came back off the underside of the bar.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz157Gmixku
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