The 20-year-old came to Leeds United as a bona fide central midfielder, and Johnson's re-invention as a left winger at Elland Road went against his expectations and, perhaps, against his wishes.

He was asked to improvise on the flank against Swindon earlier this month, and Gary McAllister was satisfied enough by his contribution to tie Johnson to a wide role on a permanent basis.

For the past five matches, the former Cambridge trainee has learned to adapt to a position he never expected to fill, in a midfield which has been set in stone.

McAllister touched on the intensity of the competition for selection when he discussed the return of Jonathan Douglas from a knee injury, admitting that the sheer weight of numbers at Elland Road was forcing him to "disappoint a few of them".

But his assertion that Leeds are blessed with a "quality bunch" of midfielders struck a chord with Johnson, who has come to appreciate the premium nature of a starting place at Elland Road.

As pleased as he would be to operate in a central position, Johnson is content to play anytime, anywhere while a crowd of colleagues continue to breathe down his neck.

"I still see myself as a central midfielder," said Johnson. "That's where I played before coming to Leeds, and it's the position I grew up in.

"It's a bit frustrating being out on the wing because you're not quite as involved and you don't see as much of the ball, but it's important that you're able to adapt. I don't have the right to play in any position.

"The manager's spoken about the amount of competition for places in midfield, and I'm well aware of that. It's a difficult team to get into and I'm fortunate that I've got a place.

"It's impossible to have 10 people in the centre, and I'd be properly frustrated if I wasn't being selected. It's one of those situations where you're delighted to be playing in any position because there are so many other players waiting to take the shirt."

Johnson is approaching the end of his third month at Elland Road, a period of his career which has passed in a flash amid the strain and uncertainty of United's season.

Leeds beat Crewe Alexandra at Gresty Road on his debut but failed to win on any of his next seven appearances, and it was with some relief that the midfielder's appearance at Swindon on March 1 brought a 1-0 victory – McAllister's first as manager.

"The last three months have gone so quickly," said Johnson, who cost Leeds £200,000 after signing from Northampton Town.

"It wasn't the easiest of starts because I came to a club who I knew were flying and the results turned against us straight away.