New signing Roger Johnson prepared to fight for Birmingham shirt

Jun 26 2009 by Andy Walker, Birmingham Post

Roger Johnson is already bracing himself for fierce competition for places at Birmingham City, having completed his £5 million move to St Andrew’s from Cardiff City.

The centre-half’s transfer from South Wales was confirmed by Birmingham yesterday afternoon and he became manager Alex McLeish’s sixth signing of the summer, behind Stephen Carr, Christian Benitez, Scott Dann, Joe Hart and Giovanny Espinoza.

Considering that two of those new recruits are also specialists at the heart of defence, Johnson is already aware that he faces a battle to earn a place in McLeish’s starting XI for the new Premier League campaign.

Liam Ridgewell, who will miss the start of the season with a broken leg, and Martin Taylor will also have something to say about the trio of arrivals in their respective position.

However, after participating in the customary art of holding up his new club’s shirt for the cameras, Johnson insisted that he was not fazed by the challenge ahead.

“Competition (for places) is good,” said the Surrey-born 26-year-old. “We had it at Cardiff when I first signed and I had to battle my way into the side. I am not frightened to do that – I am not expecting to walk into the side.

“I will battle it out with the other boys and I am sure they are thinking the same.

“I am really pleased to be here. Birmingham are a massive club and I am looking forward to putting the shirt on to be honest.

“Premier League football is the dream at the start of any footballer’s career so I am pleased I have been given that chance with Birmingham and I can’t wait to get started.

“The aim is to stay in the Premier League with Birmingham and hopefully I will have a big part to play in that.

“I want to do well for the club. At both clubs I have been at I have got on well with the fans and hopefully that will continue here.”