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Birmingham City's Roger Johnson Can't Wait To Face Chelsea

The Blues' new defender is keen to line up against his boyhood club...

Jul 14, 2009 5:23:42 PM

CCC: Alex McLeish, Reading - Birmingham City (PA)

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CCC: Alex McLeish, Reading - Birmingham City (PA)

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Roger Johnson

Birmingham City defender Roger Johnson, signed by the Blues from Cardiff City last month for a reported fee of £5 million, is keen to get cracking in the Premier League, after impressing over the last three years with Cardiff City in the Championship.

The Surrey-born centre-back is also a Chelsea supporter and, as a result, is especially relishing the prospect of visiting Stamford Bridge as a player rather then a fan.

"I'm a massive Chelsea fan. I'm from London. I had a season ticket at Chelsea, so I'm looking forward to playing at the Bridge," he explained to Sky Sports News.

"I've never played there so that'll be a good one for me!"

Johnson is also confident that City, who have enjoyed a busy summer of transfer dealings, with manager Alex McLeish (pictured) bringing in the likes of Scott Dann, like Johnson a defender, from Championship outfit Coventry City, and England goalkeeper Joe Hart, on a season-long loan from Manchester City, amongst several others.

Despite the extensive recruitment, Johnson is still anticipating a struggle in the Premier League, but is confident that the Blues can battle their way to safety.

"I've said in previous interviews the Premier League is everyone's dream," he added.

"So to be given the opportunity is good. I've worked hard in the Championship in the last three years and done well and had some accolades there, so I'm ready for the step up.

"It'll be a battle. We know that. I don't think anyone's expecting to get in the top eight or something like that, but we'll battle it out.

"I think there'll be more [clubs] battling it than there was last year. I think there was five, six or seven then, I think there'll be nine, ten or eleven sides battling to get in that top half.

"So it won't just be us and the newly-promoted teams, it'll be a good few others. So as long we win the right games and show up in the tougher games than I think we've got a good chance."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com

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