Preston North End defender Jordan Storey has hailed Daniel Johnson as the playmaker comes back into form once again.
PNE drew 0-0 with Coventry City on Tuesday night but turned in one of the more encouraging performances of late.
Either side could have won it but PNE will rue two major missed chances.
Liam Delap somehow fired wide from close range in the second half but only after a golden chance for Ched Evans in the first half.
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Johnson showed outstanding footwork inside the box before picking out Evans with the goal at his mercy.
The Welshman fired wide though, meaning Johnson’s creativity had ultimately gone to waste.
Still, this was another example of Johnson’s form turning around.
The Jamaican playmaker was impressive against Wigan Athletic over the weekend and has earned his place back in the team.
Many criticised Ryan Lowe for leaving Johnson out against Burnley; not picking him in the starting XI was one thing, but not even putting him on the bench?
That caused a big reaction from PNE fans, who are now happy to see Johnson back in the team and offering his creative talents once again.
Johnson finds himself in an interesting situation.
The 30-year-old is out of contract this summer and many have assumed that he will be on his way out this summer.
Johnson may blow hot and cold at times but he is one of PNE’s most talented players on his day and his form may spark calls for a new deal.
Whether that happens remains to be seen, but Johnson has been praised by teammate Storey after Tuesday’s display against Coventry.
Storey has told iFollow that the PNE squad know just how good Johnson can be on his day.
Storey added that everybody is glad to see Johnson back in form again and turning in strong performances.
“He’s been around long enough now, we all know his qualities and what he’s capable of doing,” said Storey. “We’re all glad that he’s picked his form right back up again and he’s showing us the best of his ability,” he added.
Johnson losing his form was one of the biggest disappointments of the Ryan Lowe era for us; an exceptionally-gifted player under a manager who wants to play attractive football, this looked like the perfect match.
Instead, Johnson has been in and out of the team as well as in and out of form.
Hopefully a strong end to the season awaits – and therefore a tough contract call will be on the horizon.