Johnson's England worry

Glen Johnson is aware his lack of activity for Chelsea is hampering his England claims.

Glen Johnson is aware his lack of activity for Chelsea is hampering his England claims, but the full back is confident he will get a chance to shine at Stamford Bridge.

Former West Ham man Johnson has been usurped in the Chelsea starting XI by Portuguese import Paulo Ferreira.

With Blues coach Jose Mourinho bringing Ferreira to London this summer, Johnson could be in for an extended spell on the sidelines and he is aware it could cost him his England place.

"I was in the senior squad for the Ukraine game and obviously I would have preferred to stay there," he said. "Operating regularly at international level is every player's dream.

"But I can't expect to be picked for my country if I'm not playing for Chelsea every week. That's always been accepted in football."

Commenting on his frustration at Stamford Bridge, Johnson added in The Sun: "Ferreira has done well for the team, all the new signings have.

"It's a new challenge for everyone at the club and we all have to raise our game to a new level.

"At the start of the season Jose said he wanted two players challenging for every position and that is what he has established.

"It's not a new situation for me. I had the same thing last season when I was sharing duties with Mario Melchiot. Sometimes it tests your patience but that's how it is.

"Paulo Ferreira might have started the season in the team but it doesn't mean he's ahead of me. We're going to get an equal amount of games.

"We're only four games into the season so I don't feel I have anything to worry about. I'm confident I still have a part to play."