Nottingham Forest ace Brennan Johnson says responding to international disappointment has helped take his game “to the next level”.
The 20-year-old has been in flying form for the Reds this season, becoming one of the first names on the team-sheet. And he has played a key part in a promotion push for Steve Cooper’s side.
It comes after a sparkling loan spell at Lincoln City which saw him hit 13 goals on the way to helping the Imps reach the League One play-offs last term. That run wasn’t enough for him to make the cut for Wales’ 26-man squad at last year’s European Championship, however.
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Johnson was told by the Wales management why he had fallen short of selection, and has responded in style. Now he hopes to make a World Cup impact for his country as they prepare for a play-off semi-final with Austria in Cardiff.
“Obviously, I was disappointed not being in the Euro squad,” the winger told PA. “I spoke to the manager (Robert Page) around that time and he explained it.
“He went for different players. There’s a big squad and a lot of good quality in the team. Taking my game to the next level was kind of the message I got, and hopefully I’ve been able to do that.”
Johnson has plenty of competition for a Wales starting spot on Thursday, with skipper Gareth Bale, Daniel James and Harry Wilson all fit and available. But if he plays, he will be in no doubt about the significance of the occasion.
“We all know what a big game it is on Thursday and everyone is raring to go now,” he added. “We know how big it is for the whole nation, getting to the World Cup will be massive. But I think we’ve just got to stay calm and get the job done.”
