Johnson Recommended For England

Alex McLeish believes Birmingham central defender Roger Johnson should be considered for an England spot.

McLeish is of the opinion that Johnson has easily done enough this season to be given a go in the England set up.

Johnson was once again outstanding and played a key part in City's 1-0 home win over Chelsea on Saturday and McLeish said: 'I think we are a bit unfashionable as a club and that is probably a factor.

'But the two boys (Johnson and Scott Dann) have been absolutely magnificent at the back.

'Roger, at the age of 27, is a wee bit ahead of Scott in terms of his experience.

'Scotty is turning heads with his performances because he is young and there is potential there.

'But I think Johnson deserves to at least have a shout of competing with other guys who are being touted for England.

'I am not telling Fabio Capello his job but I just think our boy deserves a shout.'

McLeish added: 'Roger is a fantastic team-mate. He is a guy you would want in the trenches with you.

'He is a terrific team man and his performances have been so solid and so consistent.

'You need your centre-halves to be consistent. When the team is not doing so well, these guys have still got to be on top of their game.

'That is why at the end of the season, when you look at players stats, it is normally always defenders who are up there.'

'People talk about people like Gary Cahill, rightly so, and Owen Coyle is extolling his virtues. I'm going to do that about Roger now.

'He is very vocal about not being picked. He says 'what have I got to do gaffer.''

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