Johnson clears air with Hodgson

Glen Johnson has revealed he has held clear-the-air talks with Roy Hodgson after the Liverpool manager criticised his recent form.

Hodgson claimed the full-back had yet to show under him why he was England's first choice at right-back.

But Johnson marked his return from injury on Saturday with a goal and a man-of-the-match display in the 3-0 victory over his former club West Ham.

Johnson has revealed he spoke to Hodgson about his public comments and he admits he has yet to find his best form so far this campaign.

He said: "Believe me, no-one wants me to find my best form more than me, and I was aware of what I had to do.

"It was a little reminder from the boss, he told me that was what he meant by it.

"We spoke, and he explained he wanted it to help me, to push me and I said to him then, I don't need people to tell me, I know where I'm at in terms of form, and I knew it all already.

"The gaffer told me he has faith in my ability, we spoke and we cleared things up. Sometimes comments like that can be made to look more negative than they are meant.

"The boss explained that he didn't mean it in a negative way, just that he knew I had more to offer than I was showing, and wanted to get that from me."

Johnson had missed six of Liverpool's previous seven games prior to Saturday with a number of niggling injuries - and he concedes they have affected his form.

"No player wants to be injured, and it has been frustrating to me, to be out for so long," added Johnson.

"But that was more like it for me on Saturday. I think it has been a difficult season for me, but it has been a difficult season for a lot of teams and a lot of players.

You just have to keep doing what you've done in the past, and try to reignite some of that form.

"The last seven games I haven't played, and it is impossible to improve your form if you are not out there, so it's been extra frustrating for me.

"I had some niggling injuries at the start of the season, and when you don't have that consistency it can affect your form. I'm not making excuses, but sometimes it is difficult."

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