Six Million Dollar Johnno Coming Up For Air

Nevermind the Johnson embarrassingly bleating in the dreadful Sun this week, one of our own is on the way back. Michael Johnson is gearing up to return to the cause...

Though stricken by two serious injuries, 22 year old Johnno has always had time on his side in the battle to restablish himself as England's most talented young central mifielder. If City's careful handling and loyalty to the lad can reap the rewards deserved, then Roberto Mancini will have what amounts to an awesome new signing on his hands.

The Italian gaffer is under fire from a section of impatient City supporters dissatisfied with the tactical approach that has seen City established in the Premier League's top four.

Yet Johnno could offer the box to box running that this City squad painfully lacks. As examples, Scottish student night boozers the laboured Gareth Barry and the erratic other Johnson alongside YaYa Toure require rockets up their arses and a resurgent Michael Johnson might just up their respective games.

He told th'official site:

'I feel really good and I've started running again so things are going well. Fitness-wise I'm somewhere near the level I was before I had the run of injuries. I'm probably stronger if anything. My knee feels great and I've had no problems whatsoever, but after two years out it takes time to build up to world class endurance levels and that is something I'll be striving for over a period of time.'

To his credit Mancio has stood by Michael Johnson and he remains named in the boss's 25 man squad:

'I'd like to say I think I will be able to bring something different because every player wants to feel that they can add something to the team and I think I could give us a different option. I've not set any targets for myself. I just want to build up my stamina, play a few games in the reserves and then perhaps next month I'll be ready to play if and when the manager needs me.'

If Johnno can cement a sustained comeback it will be a testament to faith and endurance.

Our fellow Mancunian Andy Perry once wrote for his brilliant band Easterhouse:

'No hopes run higher, no dreams are brighter, no fight is harder than the one we've taken on...Let's take a chance on coming up for air.'

All power to you Johnno.

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