City set for Johnson boost February 19 2008
Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson is ready to return to action and aid his side's push for a European berth.
The 19-year-old has only played four games since October, his last appearance coming in the Carling Cup defeat to Tottenham in December.
He has been plagued with an abdominal problem which was supposed to have been rectified through an operation in November.
But the England Under-21 international has only now been given the all clear after playing 45 minutes for the reserves last week.
"I hate being injured, but now I'm finally running with no pain, and I'm thrilled about that. Touch wood, it stays away now and I keep on top of it," Johnson said in the Manchester Evening News.
"It was good to get 45 minutes under my belt against Newcastle in the reserves. I had no pain, and I didn't feel too tired, so it was a good stepping stone for me."
The Blues recently completed a rare double against arch-rivals Manchester United and the former Everton youngster believes it will provide huge motivation to his fellow City compatriots.
"We hope we can carry this on into the game against Everton now and get three points there, because that's going to be a big game for us," he said.
"They are where we want to be at the end of the season, so it will be a six-pointer. I think the race for Europe is on.
"Our aim is to get fifth or sixth spot, and if we put together a really good run, maybe to get fourth. And Everton want the same, so it will be a big game."
Johnson could now be included in Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad to face the Toffees at Eastlands.