August 18 2005

Andy Johnson

Andrew Johnson is hopeful that Michael Owen's suspension against Wales in the forthcoming World Cup qualifier will give him a chance to reclaim his spot in the England squad.

The striker was forced out of Sven Goran Eriksson's squad for the Denmark match on Wednesday due to a hamstring problem.

Johnson was desperate to earn his second cap for his country but is remaining positive about his chances of playing against Wales.

"Of course I am devastated not to be involved," explained Johnson. "Sven has shown great faith in me.

"Hopefully by the time he picks his next squad I should be on seven or eight goals.

"It's a tough job keeping your place in there when there is so much competition.

"But Michael Owen can't play in the next qualifier so hopefully if I keep banging the goals in I can get another chance."