Roger Johnson 'will be a hit' with Birmingham City fans

Jun 28 2009 by Andy Walker, Sunday Mercury

EX-BLUES battler Darren Purse believes his former Cardiff comrade Roger Johnson has the right attitude to become an instant St Andrew’s hero.

Johnson became Blues’ sixth summer signing, and the fourth defender to arrive, last week as the Premier League new-boys continued their frantic pre-season recruitment.

Having more than proved himself in the Championship, including earning a place in the second tier’s team of the season, Johnson, 26, is now preparing for life in the top flight.

And his ex-Bluebirds team-mate Purse has backed Johnson to make a smooth transition into Premier League football.

Fellow centre-back Purse, now a Sheffield Wednesday player, spent three years at Cardiff with Johnson and was even knocked down the Ninian Park pecking order by the Blues new-boy.

However, despite losing his place to the former Wycombe Wanderers man, Purse speaks very highly of Johnson’s attributes.

Having spent six years at Blues in a spell that included more than 160 appearances before moving to Albion in 2004, Purse was well placed to give Johnson advice on the Second City when he rang him shortly before sealing his £5 million move from South Wales.

And, knowing exactly what Bluenoses expect from their players, Purse insists that they won’t be disappointed with what they get from Johnson.

“I spoke to Roger the other day and I think it is a great move for him because it gives himself the opportunity to test himself in the Premier League,” said Purse, 32.

“He rang me up to ask what the club is like, what the fans are like and what is around in the local area, which is something that all footballers want to know. ‘‘Now it’s a fresh challenge and a chance to pit himself against the best players in the world.

“Blues fans will love him because he really has that never-say-die attitude. He’s got all the attributes you need to be a fans’ favourite at Birmingham.