I dont think Roy got the memo on Glen Johnson being played in midfield because even Glen Johnson seems to be up for it.
Its a no brainer. Sometimes I think managers dont want to be seen caving in to media or fan pressure so no matter how good an idea may be they wont give it a chance.
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport-news/liverpool-fc/2010/12/10/glen-johnson-i-could-be-liverpool-fc-s-gareth-bale-55578-27800917/GLEN JOHNSON reaches a Liverpool landmark tomorrow – while admitting he would be open to becoming Anfield's version of Gareth Bale.
Johnson is expected to make his 50th appearance for the club when Roy Hodgson's side travel to Newcastle United aiming for back-to-back Premier League wins.
The England international continued his return to form by playing a part in the 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Monday night that moved Liverpool up to eighth place.
Johnson has been much improved since overcoming a succession of injury problems in recent months that ruled him out of six games and had hampered his play earlier in the campaign.
Now the defender is determined to remain on an upward curve and celebrate his half-century with three points.
“It's fantastic to reach milestones in your career,” said Johnson. “That is what most players look for and those are the things you're proud of.
“I'm playing better now than I was at the start of the season. I know that and I always know how well I'm playing. I've picked things up a little bit now but the team's the most important thing.
“If you always knew exactly what it was you'd never have a bad game, but we didn't have a long rest in the summer, then we came back and I got loads of niggling injuries.
“It was hard to get a run in the team and get that consistency every week. Touch wood the injuries are now behind me.”
Bale has earned rave reviews this season having been transformed from a left-back to a left-winger at Tottenham Hotspur, although he was largely subdued by Johnson during Liverpool's trip to White Hart Lane last month.
The Anfield man shares the strong attacking attributes of his Welsh counterpart, and would be willing to move further up the right flank should he be asked.
“I'd be happy to play anywhere,” said Johnson. “It's obviously the manager's decision where I am selected to play. Wherever that is I'd be happy. I've played a few times as a winger before.”
Should Hodgson be tempted to accommodate such a move, Johnson believes there would be no problem filling the vacant right-back slot.
The England man has be impressed by the emergence of Martin Kelly, whose consistency in 12 outings this season earned him a new contract last week.
And Johnson is confident the youngster could follow his lead and represent his country.
“He's a good player, and a nice boy as well,” said Johnson. “He wants to learn and he works hard. I think he'll be a good player for Liverpool.
“He's a good defender. I can definitely see him playing for England one day.”
Tomorrow's trip to the North East is the first of six Premier League games in the next three-and-a-half weeks that are likely to shape the remainder of Liverpool's campaign.
And although seven points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City, Johnson reckons Hodgson's men could yet make a charge for the Champions League qualification places.
“We've got some fantastic players, great staff in and around the club, and I'm sure if we can keep playing like we are we'll be there or thereabouts,” said the 26-year-old.
Hodgson, meanwhile, has dismissed suggestions that he may choose to cash in on Johnson in next month's transfer window with Juventus leading a number of potential suitors.
“Agents. You don't have to look very far these days,” said the Liverpool manager. “As far as I am concerned Glen Johnson will be a Liverpool player certainly until the end of his contract and possibly beyond it.”