Johnson hopes Boro stars stay

17 August 2009 09:34
Adam Johnson is desperate to see Middlesbrough's star players remain at the club as the side look to secure an instant return to the Premier League. Turkey captain Tuncay has been strongly linked with several sides this summer including Aston Villa and Fenerbahce, while David Wheater, Robert Huth and Gary O'Neil are all said to be attracting interest from top-flight teams. And while Johnson knows that there is a good chance that there will be some departures before the end of the transfer window, he is hoping Boro can hold onto as many key players as possible. "It's important we keep the squad together," he said in The Sun. "The team is strong but only time will tell in the next couple of weeks who will stay and who will go. "Our players have been linked with moves away but all we can do is concentrate on winning games. "Tuncay could be a star of the Championship, but he has got ambition and wants and deserves to be playing for a big club. "We hope there are no offers for him or anyone else as if we stay together then we've got a good chance." Targets Having drawn their season opener 0-0 against Sheffield United, Boro kick-started their promotion bid with a 3-0 win at Swansea on Saturday as Johnson grabbed the opening goal. The winger said: "We sent a message to the rest of the division. "If we don't get promoted, it will be seen as a failure. "Promotion is our aim and we want to get back to the Premier League at the first attempt."

Source: SKY_Sports