Johnson happy to play anywhere

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson insists he has no problems playing at left-back rather than his usual right-back spot.

The England international has been deployed in a left-back role since Kenny Dalglish took over from Roy Hodgson at the start of January.

Martin Kelly has come in at right-back to enable Johnson to make the switch to the left and the 26-year-old insists he is happy to play anywhere for the good of the team.

"Obviously I'm a right-back and I'm playing for England at right-back but if Kenny asked me then I'd say I'm happy just to put the shirt on and play anywhere," Johnson told the club's official website.

"It's obviously different. Yes, it's the same position but I'm right footed so naturally I want to come inside but when you're attacking it's more or less the same. You come inside to shoot or I'm just as comfortable going on the outside."

Johnson admits the whole squad are enjoying playing under Dalglish and that the Scot has given the players a lot of belief after a difficult time under Hodgson.

"Kenny believes in the players, he believes we've got a good team and a good squad," added Johnson.

"He just wants you to go out and express yourself within the boundaries he sets. He almost says, 'Once you've crossed that white line it's up to you'.

"We're definitely enjoying training. With Steve Clarke coming in as well. I was fortunate enough to work with Clarkey at Chelsea and he's very good. Training is fantastic, it's very sharp and professional and enjoyable."

Liverpool return to Europa League action this week against Sparta Prague and Johnson is keen to go all the way in the competition.

"As a player you want to win everything you can, you want to try and achieve everything," noted Johnson. "It'd obviously be nice to have a European medal on the mantelpiece.

"And there isn't a better time to do that than now. We've had a difficult period in recent months and it'd be great to turn it around by winning something.

"Obviously winning the league isn't going to happen this season so it's a great opportunity to get some silverware. The lads are aware of that and we'll be pushing hard for it."

Source: Sky Sports

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