Roger relishing facing boyhood team

Roger relishing facing boyhood team

Published Dec. 26, 2009 5:40 a.m. ET

Johnson has supported the Blues since he was a youngster and even has a piece of the infamous former 'Shed' stand at Stamford Bridge at his home from when it was demolished. He was a Chelsea season ticket holder for 10 years and still goes to watch as many matches as his own playing commitments allow. But on Saturday his thoughts will be on trying to stop Didier Drogba and helping Birmingham to extend their unbeaten run to 10 games. Johnson told Press Association Sport: "What does this fixture mean to you? Loads. Setting out as a professional at 16, I've waited 10 years to play in this game. I am so looking forward to it. "I first watched Chelsea when I was three and I had a season ticket for 10 years. People like Kerry Dixon, Jason Cundy and David Lee were playing when I watched them regularly. "I have got a piece of the 'Shed' at home actually. They smashed a bit of the concrete up for fans to take home when it came to an end. I got it for sentimental value. "I still try and get down there to watch Chelsea as much as I can - but on Saturday I want to try and get three points for Birmingham." Johnson is a massive admirer of Drogba and continued: "He is probably the best centre-forward in the world at the moment. "He's performing really well. He's a right handful. Being a Chelsea fan myself, he has been superb. It will be another massive test. "I have never played against him as yet, I can only go on what I've seen. He gives a lot of centre-halves a good run. Strength, movement, pace, aerially, with his headers. He's got everything. "I look forward to it. It will be a test for me and Scotty (Dann) and the back four. We will see how it goes." Meanwhile, Sebastian Larsson believes his Birmingham team-mate Barry Ferguson would "walk into the Scotland side" if new national team boss Craig Levein decides to end his international exile. Ferguson has been in outstanding form for Blues since his £1million switch from Rangers during the summer, forming an effective partnership with Lee Bowyer. The 30-year-old has not represented his country since high profile off-the-field incidents during the latter part of last season with the Scottish FA declaring Ferguson would not be selected for further internationals. But that stance has softened since the departure of George Burley as coach following Scotland's failure to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. And winger Larsson has faith in Ferguson to be a key performer again for Scotland. The Swedish international said: "At the end of the day, it comes down to what Barry wants to do regarding Scotland. It is his decision. "But what I can say is, he has been in outstanding form for Blues since he came here. "His experience and know-how have been a big factor in our current success. "And, if he is able to play for Scotland again, and wants to play, then he would walk into the side given the ability he has got. "He has done well for them in the past."

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