Johson eyeing real silverware

GLEN JOHNSON is itching to stop being a virtual success – and start helping Liverpool to silverware on the field.

The right-back is currently working his way back to fitness after suffering a knee ligament problem during the win at Aston Villa in late December.

Johnson has targeted a comeback for the start of next month, and in the meantime has been forced to entertain himself by playing computer games.

And after guiding Liverpool to glory on Championship Manager, the England international is eager to taste the real thing.

"I'm sick of TV now," said Johnson. "When you're confined to the couch you'll look at anything..

"Thankfully Championship Manager got me through that time too. I won everything with Liverpool."

Johnson, who has worked under several big-name coaches including Fabio Capello, Jose Mourinho and Harry Redknapp, also lifted the lid on Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez's fervour for the game.

"It is all football with Rafa, but that's not a bad thing," he said. "Obviously he clearly loves the game and wants everyone to improve and do well. As a player you can never complain about that.

"Just as every man is different, every manager is different too. Every boss has their own way of doing things and their own style. Rafa is like that too."

Johnson will again be absent when Liverpool begin their Europa League campaign tomorrow with at home to Unirea Urziceni in their round of 32 first leg tie. And Benitez reveals he has been pumping Sevilla manager Manolo Jimenez for information, after the Spaniards faced Unirea twice in the group stages this season, winning 2-0 at home before falling 1-0 in the return.

"I was talking to some people at Sevilla, the manager," said Benitez. "He was telling me some things about the team. The message is the same - they are well organised and have players with experience. I will try to win every game. People don't know the other team and it's not easy to see too much of them because they are not playing, so it will be tough.

"It's important for everyone to understand that if you have an opportunity to win silverware, you have to be ready. It's a chance we have."

Liverpool's reserve game last night at Burnley was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

FOR the full Glen Johnson interview, read this week's official LFC magazine.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.