Sponsored by
LEEDS UNITED: Johnson pledges to return stronger
Bradley Johnson hopes Brighton and Hove Albion will prove the perfect outlet for him as the midfielder attempts to prove that he is worth a place in Leeds United's first team.
* Click here to read a match report from Leeds United's 1-0 win against Cheltennham Town.
* Click here to enjoy a picture slideshow of match action from the game.
The 21-year-old is embarking on a two-month loan period at the Withdean Stadium and scored twice on his Brighton debut against Leicester City on Tuesday night, and he plans to use his spell on the south coast to strengthen his prospects at Elland Road.
Johnson completed an hour's training with Albion before playing a crucial role in their 3-2 victory over Leicester, but he saw enough in the team's performance to persuade him that he will benefit heavily from a string of appearances in Micky Adams' side.
Johnson said: "Brighton play football the right way, and when I asked Leeds if I could go out on loan, I wanted to make sure I went to another club where I could show my full potential.
"There wasn't much point in me joining a team who use long-ball tactics because I want to make an impression while I'm here. It's important for me to get some good performances under my belt.
"The way I see it, a loan move isn't just about playing games. You can play plenty of games for the reserves but sometimes you don't get much more out of them than match fitness.
"At Brighton, I'm going to be part of a team who play the way I like to play. They've got a similar passing style to Leeds and they're also a pretty ambitious club. The feeling I get from the players here is that they're further down the league than they want to be, and in a way that's a good thing for me.
"It means the club are looking to get points on the board and to climb the table quickly, and every game is going to be massive."
Johnson's temporary contract at the Withdean Stadium runs until January 3, two days after the opening of the transfer window, but he has two-and-a-half years remaining on his deal and has no plans to leave before that contract expires.
The midfielder's appearances for United have totalled four this season but he has been largely involved with the club's reserves during the past two months.
"Reserve team football isn't bad for you and it gives you the chance to play games, but it's never the same as performing in front of a big crowd when the pressure's on," he said.
"I love playing at Elland Road and the atmosphere there brings the best out of you. You need the pressure of real games, and that's why I've come to Brighton. I'm sure I'll benefit from it."
Email to a friend
Print this page- Politics: Mark Hookham's Westminster blog - 5.33pm
- Castleford RSPB Fairburn Ings: High wire act Swallows’ summer parade
- Worker dies on North Yorkshire Moors Railway
- Video: Restaurant reopens on Leeds Harry Ramsden’s site after £500,000 refit
- Chocolat author will tempt guests at Leeds Big Bookend Festival
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Leeds
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 26 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
