Johnson wants Cottagers stay

01 October 2011 13:58
Fulham striker Andrew Johnson insists he wants to extend his contract with the Cottagers past the end of the current campaign.[LNB] The 30-year-old was the Cottagers' standout performer in the midweek Europa League defeat of Odense in Denmark.[LNB]Johnson netted both goals in the 2-0 victory, leading to praise from manager Martin Jol.[LNB]The Dutchman also revealed after the game that Johnson has turned down a new two-year deal with the club, but the striker insists he wants to remain at Craven Cottage past the expiration of his current deal next summer.[LNB]"Of course I want to stay at Fulham," he said.[LNB]"I think all you've got to do is look at my performance against Odense.[LNB]"You're asking a player whether he wants to stay at the club but you've just got to look at what I've done on the pitch.[LNB]"The work ethic I put in week in, week out when I play and when I come on as a sub.[LNB]"I want to stay but that will take care of itself in time. I've been in talks with the club for a while but it has been a busy period.[LNB]"We've just come out of the transfer window, we've had new players settling in so it is something that is ongoing but hopefully it will get resolved."[LNB]Johnson's brace was the catalyst to Fulham ending an eight-game winless streak that stretched back to mid-August.[LNB]The poor run of form sees them lie 17th in the Barclays Premier League, although the former Everton striker insists the squad have remained confident throughout.[LNB]"We've got an experienced team, experienced lads so we always knew that it was going to change sooner or later," he said.[LNB]"We know we have been playing well enough it is just getting that bit of luck in front of goal.[LNB]"We got that against Odense and could have had a few more.[LNB]"The team is creating a lot of chances so we've just got to keep it tight at the back and keep stepping it up at the top.[LNB]"We're delighted with that win and I am delighted with the two goals as well."[LNB]The striker's performance at the Odense Stadion has strengthened his call for a starting berth against QPR on Sunday[LNB]Johnson has now netted six goals in nine Europa League games but insists team success is more important than personal glory.[LNB]"All I can do is keep working hard in training day in, day out," he added.[LNB]"When I am selected and called upon I do the best I can.[LNB]"I like to think I did that against Odense and I was delighted with two goals, more so with the second one.[LNB]"But it was a great team performance away from home.[LNB]"We showed great character and, like I say, we've not won in a while so it is really important going into Sunday's game with a win under out belt."

Source: Team_Talk