Source: Daily_Mail
Mark Hughes backs striker Andy Johnson for England spot after his return to fitness
Mark Hughes has spelt out his desire to keep hold of fit-again Fulham striker Andrew Johnson and challenged him to regain his England spot.[LNB]The 29-year-old has been dogged by injury problems since moving to the Cottagers two and a half years ago.[LNB]But he is showing signs of being back to his best and produced a typical sharp finish in yesterday's 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.[LNB] Handy Andy: Johnson (left) celebrates with Damien Duff after scoring at Villa Park [LNB]Johnson has only 18 months to run of his current contract but Hughes is keen to retain his services.[LNB]Hughes said: 'We're starting to see the best of Andy Johnson now. He had a significant injury and he's been out for a considerable length of time.[LNB]'In fairness to him, he's played a number of games now and his performance levels have been good.[LNB]'All that's been lacking have been goals. Now thankfully he's added goals. He's in good shape at the moment.[LNB]'He looks strong. He's completing games at the right intensity and he's not fading out of games, which you would expect with the length of time that he's been out.[LNB]'He's been really splendid for the team. Everybody is delighted for him because of what he has been through.'[LNB] Something to shout about: Hughes is tipping Johnson for a call-up to Capello's England squad[LNB] Hughes added: 'Andy has 18 months of his contract left. Do I want to keep him? Yes, absolutely.[LNB]'He's missed a lot of football and we're hopeful now that he'll have a run of games and his career will progress without injury.[LNB]'He was in the England squad prior to his injury problems. Who's to say that, if he keeps himself fit, he can't get himself back into those squads?[LNB]'He has recovered so strongly because he is a mentally strong guy.[LNB]'He's had disappointments because he's come back a little bit too soon because he's just keen to play.[LNB]'I think he's learned from that and he understands his body now.'[LNB] On the mend: Zamora (left) could soon be back for Fulham[LNB]Johnson's fellow striker Bobby Zamora is also edging closer to fitness after his long-term lay-off with a broken leg.[LNB]Hughes said: 'Bobby is training with the first-team squad now. I'd imagine that it will be two or three weeks before he's fit enough to be considered.[LNB]'But he is on track and doing well. We'll look to put games into him.'[LNB] Aston Villa 2 Fulham 2: Clint Dempsey salvages a point for stubborn CottagersFulham 1 Newcastle 0: Old boy Duff adds insult to injury for toothless ToonGudjohnsen hopes last-minute Fulham switch will resurrect faltering career [LNB] Explore more:People: Andrew Johnson, Bobby Zamora, Mark Hughes Places: United Kingdom
