Workington Reds want to keep loan ace Paul Johnson for rest of season
Last updated at 12:35, Wednesday, 04 January 2012
Workington Reds want to keep loan star Paul Johnson until the end of the season after boss Darren Edmondson admitted he has been amazed by the teenager.
Since joining Borough Park from Hartlepool in November, Johnson has been one of the standout performers with a string of solid defensive displays.
Alongside the experienced Kyle May, 19-year-old Johnson’s arrival has coincided with a reduction in the number of goals Workington have conceded per game from 1.8 to 1.0.
Edmondson has heaped praise on Johnson, who agreed stay on for at least another month just in time to help Reds to a third consecutive clean sheet victory, against Blyth Spartans on Monday.
Following the 3-0 win over Blyth, Edmondson said: “Paul has been a revelation at the back. He plays with the maturity of a player far beyond his age and has absolutely no fear.
“Paul just loves to defend and will stick his neck on the line every time he pulls on a football shirt.
“It’s great to see a young man with a thirst to succeed and it’s great that we are reaping the benefits from his development. Paul is also gaining valuable first-team experience in a very competitive league.
“He has already shown improvement and he will continue to learn what it takes to be a professional footballer during his time with us.”
Johnson’s loan will continue throughout January, but Edmondson is hoping to keep the towering centre half until the end of the season.
Talks with Hartlepool’s new manager Neale Cooper will continue.
Edmondson said: “Hartlepool have been gracious enough to extend his loan with us for at least another month. If they want to see how much he’s improved then I urge them to come to Borough Park and watch him first hand. I hope he can stay.”
First published at 11:31, Wednesday, 04 January 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk
