PLAYER PROFILE

Damien Johnson

Position: Midfield

Height: 5'9

Weight: 11st 2lbs

Date of Birth: 1978-11-18 Blackburn, England

Damien Johnson

Damien Johnson finally got the chance of the first team football he craved when he joined the Blues in March 2002, having been frozen out of the first team picture for so long at Blackburn Rovers by the form of fellow Northern Ireland winger, Keith Gillespie.

As a product of the Rovers Youth Academy, Johnson progressed through the ranks at Ewood Park to become a valued member of their first team squad. But when Graeme Souness told him that his contract was not being renewed, Johnson had no hesitation in demanding a move elsewhere.

Birmingham answered the call and Johnson certainly adds another dimension to their squad. Having turned down a host of other interested clubs to move to St. Andrews, Johnson's decision appeared vindicated with their promotion to the Barclaycard Premiership.

Johnson is predominately a right-winger, but his ability to play as a floating, attacking midfielder gives the Blues that extra dimension in the middle of the park when needed.

His performances at club level earned him a place in the Northern Ireland squad and he now has 24 international caps for his country. Although he struggled to impose himself on the Blues's team after first joining the club, his first full season has seen him make 33 appearances.

He was an important part of Birmingham's 2002/03 campaign, and will be looking to continue the consistency he maintained throughout last season. His assured performances on the right side have made it hard for Bruce not to put him in the starting eleven and he has troubled many Premiership defenders with his attacking play.

In September 2004, Johnson was rewarded with new contract, keeping him at the club until 2007.

The 2004/2005 campaign saw him justify this new contract with a fantastic season which saw him make 37 appearances, becoming a rock in the Blues' midfield. He was sent-off against Charlton in September.

He was again a vital part of the team in the two subsequent season which saw the Blues relegated and promoted to and from the Premier League.

His experience could not help preserve the club's top flight status in 07/08 and it went from bad to worse for Johnson when he underwent surgery on a back problem which ruled him out of the opening months of the 08/09 campaign.

Despite this he still managed to play a handful of games and will be hopeful that his injury problems are behind him as the club embark on another season in the top flight.