Source: Team_Talk
Johnson delighted by NI recall
The Birmingham midfielder, 30, has helped the team secure successive victories against San Marino and Poland following his comeback from a back operation.
Next up are Slovenia at Windsor Park on Wednesday, with the province aiming to cement their place at the top of Group Three.
Johnson captained the side against the Poles when he won his 50th cap - four years after making his 40th international appearance.
"That was when we beat England in 2005 so I have had to wait a long time to improve my tally," said Johnson.
"I am delighted to be back and thrilled we won in that manner on Saturday. I was very proud.
"It has been a tough couple of years and to be honest I did not expect anything from Northern Ireland.
"But (manager) Nigel Worthington has given me my chance and I am thrilled about that. He made sure we got in Poland's faces and it worked. Now we have to do the same against Slovenia."
Northern Ireland have played at least one more game than all of their rivals but Worthington is pleased with their progress.
"It is nice to have the points on the board. That is important, " he told Sky Sports.
"We know it is a tough group. The Czech Republic and Poland are strong teams and Slovenia and Slovakia are no mugs.
"It [qualification] would be a great achievement but we are a long way from that.
"We have got to go to Poland and we have to go Czech Republic. We have got Slovenia, which is our next game, and that is where our focus is at."
Sunderland's George McCartney and Rangers' Steven Davis are available again following suspension. Chris Brunt is ruled out after collecting a second yellow card against Poland.
Meanwhile FIFA have launched an investigation into the coin-throwing incident during the Poland game after Swedish assistant referee Stefan Wittberg needed treatment for a head wound.
An individual was indentified and ejected from the ground at half-time.
A spokesman said: "FIFA are currently reviewing an incident in the World Cup qualifier between Northern Ireland and Poland on Saturday, where a Swedish assistant referee was hit by a coin.
"FIFA has received a report from the match referee (Martin Hansson) as well as the match commissioner.
"Following a review of those two respective reports, FIFA will then decide on whether any disciplinary procedures will be opened."
Northern Ireland 11/8, Slovenia 9/5, Draw 21/10
