US international striker Eddie Johnson, back in contention at Fulham this season, is seeking to repay the faith Manager Mark Hughes has shown in him by making his mark on the pitch in the months ahead. "I’m delighted to be getting my chance," Eddie told fulhamfc.com. "Mark Hughes has come in for Roy Hodgson, who did a really good job at the Club, and has really given me a chance to get my name back out there and show the fans and the Club my worth.
"I worked hard in pre-season to impress the Manager and I’ve been carrying that through on a day-to-day basis. With the injuries that have happened, to guys that are friends of mine on the Team, I’ve been given a chance. "I want to keep building up the minutes out there. This is the best League in the world that gets the most coverage and exposure so players always come and go. It’s a League where if you don’t take your chance you will be replaced in a couple of months.
"I’ve always had faith in my ability and I knew that when Mark Hughes came in as Manager it would be a fresh start for everyone. Even before the injuries I was always in the 20 players selected so I kept my head down and just kept working hard." Johnson has spent a fair amount of time out on loan in recent seasons and whilst his minutes on the pitch for Fulham have been limited over the past few years, his heart has clearly remained at the Cottage. "Fulham’s a very good Club and a family orientated Club. When you go out on loan like I did, and you’re away from the Team, you may not be there physically but your spirit is always with the Club."
*Eddie Johnson: Fresh Start
*Eddie Johnson: Chance to Shine