Johnson expresses desire for Reggae Boyz recall Published: Monday | March 5, 2012 0 Comments André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter
Jamaican midfielder Jermaine 'Teddy' Johnson has been in the international football wilderness for over two years and though presently sidelined by injury, the playmaker remains hopeful that he will play a role in Jamaica's upcoming World Cup qualifying campaign.
Johnson, who suffered a knee injury several weeks ago, is expected to be out of action for up to eight weeks, with a seven-centimetre ligament tear putting a brake on his Sheffield Wednesday season.
However, Johnson, who still follows the national programme closely, is hoping to make his first Reggae Boyz appearance since the 2009 Gold Cup and is certain he still has a role to play in the current Jamaica setup.
High hopes
"My message is that I am fully interested in the programme and I am hoping to play a part. As I am called, I will be available right away," said the mercurial and controversial 31-year-old.
"I always want to play for my country, I hope and pray every-day that I will get another call up," he added. "I am just waiting to hear from the coach to see what is happening."
Johnson, who has scored six goals in close to 50 international appearances for the Reggae Boyz, said he has not spoken to national head coach Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore about his continued omission from the squad, but is hoping for some dialogue in the near future.
"To be honest, I have not heard from the JFF, but I am just concentrating on playing some football and keeping positive," said Johnson, who was a spectator at the Red Stripe Premier League football match between his former team, Tivoli Gardens, and Portmore United at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex yesterday.
Johnson is scheduled to leave the island today and will immediately commence his rehabilitation work at Sheffield Wednesday.
With his contract scheduled to run out at the end of the season, the former Bolton Wanderers midfielder is also expecting to renew his deal with the English League One outfit.
"They (Sheffield Wednesday) will be offering me a new contract, but I am just looking and waiting to see what will happen next and what is best," he noted. "To be honest, the fans love me there and they want me to sign back for the club, but it's up to the club's chairman; they just sacked the manager, there is a new manager so we'll see how it works out too."
Yes, we need to keep JJ on the radar. He is not the smartest of players over 90 minutes but if used wisely, I believe that coming off the bench he can impact our game positively in the right situation. He is strong, fast, has good skills and good shooting power all of which outweighs his weaknesses. I say he belongs in the squad.
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Johnson signs new Owls deal
Jamaica international looks forward to playing in Championship
Last Updated: July 9, 2012 7:08pm
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Jermaine Johnson: Happy to have signed a one-year contract extension
Jermaine Johnson: Happy to have signed a one-year contract extension Sky Bet
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Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Jermaine Johnson has signed a new one-year extension with the club.
The 32-year-old has been at Hillsborough for five years during which time he has become a firm fans' favourite.
Johnson has made 179 appearances for the club and netted 22 goals since joining from Bradford in 2007. Delighted
"I'm delighted to be staying at Sheffield Wednesday and I want to help the club do well in the Championship," Johnson told the club's official website.
"There is no limit to where we could go and I want to be a part of it.
"The last game of last season was the highlight of my whole career. I was choked on the day because to see, so many people, so happy meant a lot to me.
"Now I want to be successful in the Championship and I know we can achieve good things here."
JJ's a good talent but head no good sometimes. Saw him in a couple games this season. Prone to lapses in concentration and just needlessly gives away ball.
Does he bring anything to the table that we don"t already have?
Who's place in the team would he take if Tappa brings him in?
JJ's a good talent but head no good sometimes. Saw him in a couple games this season. Prone to lapses in concentration and just needlessly gives away ball.
Does he bring anything to the table that we don"t already have?
Who's place in the team would he take if Tappa brings him in?
Why do we keep up this bullcrap about our players? JJ have been able to hold a professional career going 10 years - his "head" is just fine. Yes, he may have been a bit stubborn and 21 -but who wasn't?
If JJ was born in the UK there would be many more here demanding that he be included.
