Man City star Adam Johnson eyeing World Cup call-up

Adam Johnson has set his sights on completing the remarkable leap from the Championship to the World Cup - in just six months.

Johnson, who joined Manchester City from Middlebsrough in January for £7million, was named in Fabio Capello's provisional 30-man squad for England's recent friendly against Egypt.

And although he failed to make the final cut, Johnson believes he could emulate Theo Walcott in 2006 by making a late charge into England's World Cup travelling party.

"Deep down I know it's going to be tough to get into the World Cup squad," said Johnson.

"But stranger things have happened, so who knows? If there are a couple of injuries and I have some great form between now and the end of the season, you never know.

"I was just delighted to get into the provisional squad for the Egypt game. I wouldn't have been in that squad if I hadn't left Boro for City.

"But somebody always comes into the World Cup squad late, and if you know the England manager's watching you can't help but try a bit harder I suppose.

"Am I ready for the World Cup? I wouldn't say no. It would be a fairytale to go from Boro to the World Cup so quickly.

"Lots of people will say it’s not possible, but if I did manage it, I'd go to South Africa with the confidence I have always had.

"For the natural balance, there's probably only me and Stewy Downing on the left, but there are some great right-footed players who can also fill in there."

Johnson, 22, is an unassuming character, quietly-spoken and happiest to let his football do the talking for him on the pitch.

His natural left-foot, pace and ability to beat opponents have singled him out as a future England regular and a potential world-class talent.

And his single-minded approach was never more evident than in early January when, despite being injured, he insisted on playing for Middlebrough against City in an FA Cup tie.

Although Johnson lasted only half-an-hour before injury forced him off, he had done enough to convince City boss Roberto Mancini to buy the young prospect in a deadline-day move.

"I had a hamstring injury I wanted to play against Premier League opposition just so I could show people what I could do," said Johnson.

"I'd done well in the Championship, so people wanted to see me up against better opposition and I really didn't want to miss the game.

"I was desperate to play. I wasn't right, but I was quite happy with the half-hour I managed before I injured my hamstring again.

"It was one of those things. You make these decisions at times, but luckily it paid off for me.

"It wasn't just about showing City what I could do. It was a case of showing everybody really that I could do it against Premier League opposition."

Johnson has shown he can cope with the pressure of a big-money move to City, impressing in his five appearances so far.

He was linked with Real Madrid when former Spurs boss Juande Ramos was in charge there and appears unfazed by the expectation upon him.

"If you want to be a top player you have to be able to deal with the pressure of being at a top club," said Johnson.

"There were a few rumours about Real Madrid, but Ramos was only in charge there for a short time.

"I didn't really believe it, but even just being linked with a club like Real Madrid was a real honour. But City are a massive club too and I want to show what I can do here."

Adam Johnson was speaking at the launch of FIFA 10 Ultimate Team – a new strategic online game mode available on Xbox Live and PSN.  For more info go to http://www.easports.co.uk/fifa