February 5 2004

Andy Johnson

Andy Johnson has been rewarded for his rich vein of scoring by bagging an award.

The 22-year-old striker was given January's First Division Umbro Isotonic Player of the Month Award - an official award of The Football League.

He netted five times in the last three games of January to bring his overall tally to 20 for the season - the best in his career.

The judging panel said: "Andrew Johnson's pace and movement have made him a thorn in the side of First Division defences.

"His five goals in January took him to 16 League goals for the season and if he continues in this form Palace could push their way into the Play Off picture."

Johnson told Palace World: "It's down to the effort of the lads that I have won this award. They have all been brilliant and Neil Shipperley has been a great help too.

"It's a team game and even if I'm not scoring the goals, as long as someone like Shipps, Dougie Freedman, Tommy Black, Wayne Routledge or Julian Gray is then I'll be happy."