The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Johnson aiming to kick on following debut goal
DUNDEE: Striker says pressure has been lifted ahead of Championship opener
Danny Johnson believes the pressure is off him before he even starts Dundee’s league campaign.
The striker bagged a debut goal as the Dens men beat Inverness Caley Thistle in the Betfred Cup on Sunday, a strike that turned out to be the winner.
The 1-0 victory earned his new club a lucrative last-16 clash with Aberdeen next month and set them up nicely for the Championship kick-off against Dunfermline at East End Park on Friday.
Not for Johnson a worryingly long wait to break his duck and he feels that means he can play pressure-free against the Pars.
The former Motherwell frontman, who only joined the Dark Blues last Friday, said: “That was the perfect start for me, to be honest.
“I had put pressure on myself when I was unveiled by saying that I would come in and score goals, but I have done that already.
“To get my first goal for the club is brilliant and the pressure is off me already because I am off the mark. I need to kick on from here now.
“It has been a long and frustrating last six or seven months when I haven’t been playing.
“My last goal for Motherwell was last December.
“When you are sitting on the bench or watching from the stands you see other people scoring and nothing replaces that feeling. I missed that feeling.”
Johnson formed an immediate bond with the Dundee support on Sunday, enthusiastically celebrating his goal in front of them then receiving a loud ovation when substituted later in the game.
He said: “It is good to get off to a good start with the fans.
“It was great to play so soon after signing because nothing replaces match fitness and I felt a little rusty at times.
“The ball would come into me and I was a half second off, but that will come with time.
“What I would say to them is that the more I play, the more I will get that sharpness back.
“I am pleased I made my debut and it is a good start and I need to build on that.”
Johnson enjoyed playing with strike partner Andrew Nelson and would also welcome the arrival of Aberdeen striker Stevie May should Dundee be successful in their pursuit of the Don.
“Myself and Andy linked up well in training and we have made a good start,” added Johnson.
“I think we can form a great partnership, with us being two northeast (of England) lads.
“I look forward to seeing what can happen in the next few weeks when we play more games together.
“If we are going to be at the top this year then we are going to need good players all around, so if another striker comes in then you will have to fight for your place.
“That competition will kick you on. “If I keep scoring then that is brilliant for me.
“If there is a striker who is champing at the bit then I know I have to be at the top of my game. That can only drag the team in a positive direction.”