Manchester City Football Club

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:47805

Johnson nears City return

20 Feb 2008 - 13:01:21

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Midfielder Michael Johnson is hopeful of making a first-team return for Manchester City in the near future, having finally shrugged off an abdominal injury.

The 19-year-old was a star performer for the Citizens early in the season, but has been sidelined since mid-December by an abdominal strain that refused to go away.

However, Johnson lasted 45 minutes of a recent reserve team game against Newcastle United and is hoping to get back into contention for a first-team recall as soon as possible.

He told the Manchester Evening News: "I hate being injured, but now I'm finally running with no pain and I'm thrilled about that.

"Touch wood, it stays away now and I keep on top of it.

"It was good to get 45 minutes under my belt against Newcastle in the reserves. I had no pain and I didn't feel too tired, so it was a good stepping stone for me.

"It was a good chance for some of the other lads to step up their fitness too."