Preston North End midfielder Daniel Johnson is hoping for more of the same from the Preston fans ahead of a season defining game this Sunday.
Over 20,000 North Enders are due to make the trip to the capital this weekend with tickets going on general sale to supporters yesterday.
Since the arrival of Johnson in January, the Lilywhite faithful have more than warmed to the former Aston Villa man, with a string of excellent performances at the heart of the Preston midfield.
He’s already been assigned a chant on the North End terraces and the youngster believes their backing could be the difference come Sunday evening.
“The fans have been fantastic since I’ve arrived, especially on the away trips with MK Dons and Port Vale,” said Johnson.
“We’re going to really appreciate them on the day, and hopefully they can play a big part in us getting a result. It’s a good feeling when they’re chanting your name but at the end of the day we need the win and that’s the most important part of the day.
“It’s been a mad rollercoaster season for me, but we’re here now and hopefully come Sunday we’ll get the result we need and end the season in a positive manner.
“It’s been a long year, so we’ve had some rest periods – the gaffer’s done really well with the way he’s juggled it.
“It’s been good to get the rest periods but we’ve obviously put in the training and the work never stops in-between those periods so we’re still focused on what we need to do.”
Johnson has fitted in well in midfield alongside John Welsh for the majority of the second half of the campaign, but with many others waiting in the wings vying for those 11 slots, Johnson knows no one can take their Wembley spot for granted.
“It’s every kids dream to play at Wembley,” stated Johnson. “If I get picked on the day to play it will be a dream come true for me.
“But there’s spots up for grabs all over that 11. We come in everyday and work hard and nobody ever takes their place for granted. The gaffer the 11 picks he believes is going to get the job done.
“We can only play against what we play on the day no matter what Swindon team is out there, but I believe we’ve got a squad as good if not better than them so most definitely they’re going to be tough opponents we know that, but we’re aiming to be just as tough for them.”
Since the arrival of Johnson in January, the Lilywhite faithful have more than warmed to the former Aston Villa man, with a string of excellent performances at the heart of the Preston midfield.
He’s already been assigned a chant on the North End terraces and the youngster believes their backing could be the difference come Sunday evening.
“The fans have been fantastic since I’ve arrived, especially on the away trips with MK Dons and Port Vale,” said Johnson.
“We’re going to really appreciate them on the day, and hopefully they can play a big part in us getting a result. It’s a good feeling when they’re chanting your name but at the end of the day we need the win and that’s the most important part of the day.
“It’s been a mad rollercoaster season for me, but we’re here now and hopefully come Sunday we’ll get the result we need and end the season in a positive manner.
“It’s been a long year, so we’ve had some rest periods – the gaffer’s done really well with the way he’s juggled it.
“It’s been good to get the rest periods but we’ve obviously put in the training and the work never stops in-between those periods so we’re still focused on what we need to do.”
Johnson has fitted in well in midfield alongside John Welsh for the majority of the second half of the campaign, but with many others waiting in the wings vying for those 11 slots, Johnson knows no one can take their Wembley spot for granted.
“It’s every kids dream to play at Wembley,” stated Johnson. “If I get picked on the day to play it will be a dream come true for me.
“But there’s spots up for grabs all over that 11. We come in everyday and work hard and nobody ever takes their place for granted. The gaffer the 11 picks he believes is going to get the job done.
“We can only play against what we play on the day no matter what Swindon team is out there, but I believe we’ve got a squad as good if not better than them so most definitely they’re going to be tough opponents we know that, but we’re aiming to be just as tough for them.”