Johnson putting knee agony behind him

When Glen Johnson heard the snap, the Liverpool right-back admits he feared the worst.

An innocuous collision with Gabriel Agbonlahor in the closing stages of the dramatic 1-0 win at Villa Park just after Christmas left the Reds' £18million man writhing in agony.

Initially, there were concerns he had damaged the cruciate ligament in his right knee and his season was over.

To Johnson's relief, a scan the following day revealed only medial ligament damage, although hopes that he would be out for just a month proved overly optimistic.

Nearly seven weeks on from painful night in the Midlands, the 25-year-old defender has just started running again.

By the start of March he should be back in full training and is desperate to play a starring role in the Reds' push for Champions League qualification.

"It's been unbelievably frustrating," Johnson said.

"The worst thing that can happen to a footballer is being injured, but I'm definitely over the worst of it now and looking forward.

"I'm about two or three weeks away from getting back into full training.

"It was strange when I did it as it wasn't much of a tackle. The lad fell on me and then I heard something in my knee snap so I knew it wasn't good.

"The following morning they thought it might have been my cruciate. It was a relief when I found out it wasn't. That was some good news from the bad news of getting injured.

"For the first four weeks I was on crutches and locked in a knee brace so I could barely move.

"But since then I've been doing lots of stability and strengthening work to try to get the muscle back and recently I've started jogging again."

Johnson has been forced to watch from the stands as his team-mates have breathed new life into their hopes of a top-four finish with a seven-game unbeaten league run prior to last Wednesday's defeat at Arsenal.

It's not an experience the England international enjoys.

"I couldn't even go to games at first because I was on crutches and couldn't bend my knee," he revealed.

"But now I'm able to go to Anfield and cheer the lads on.

"I'm probably the worst fan ever because I just want to be out there helping them. It's so annoying having to sit and watch.

"The lads have been fantastic and the results speak for themselves.

"We were unlucky against Arsenal, but it was a decent display and it looks like we've got that hard-to-beat mentality back.

"I need to get my knee straight, get it back to how it was, and try to get back into the team.

"Hopefully we can finish in the top four and be happy."

Johnson admits the prospect of running out at Anfield again has helped keep him going during his gruelling rehabilitation schedule.

He has played for West Ham, Millwall, Chelsea and Portsmouth but insists nothing compares to the reception he has received from Liverpool supporters since his arrival last summer.

"The fans here are fantastic," he said.

"People say how good the Portsmouth fans are, and they are, but Liverpool fans are in a league of their own.

"When you walk out (at Anfield) and hear the fans singing the anthem, it helps. Every player is so proud to put on the shirt."

Rafa Benitez admits he's relishing the chance to have Johnson back at his disposal.

"Johnson is a player with quality who is important for us," he said.

"He is doing well now and to have competition in each position is always crucial."

The Reds boss has also been boosted by the return to light training of Yossi Benayoun and Fernando Torres.

Both have been sidelined since the FA Cup defeat to Reading on January 13.

Jamie Carragher is receiving treatment on his groin injury and is unlikely to be risked in Thursday night's Europa League clash with Unirea Urziceni at Anfield.

"Yossi has been training with the team but we still have to be careful with his rib," Benitez said.

"Torres is doing well but I think the Manchester City game next Sunday will come too early for him.

"He is training with the physio and the fitness coach but he's not involved with the team. We will have to see how he progresses this week.

"Carragher has been in the gym with the physios and hopefully he will train this week, but it will be difficult for him to face Unirea. Maybe he will have a chance against City."

Meanwhile, Benitez believes the Reds have yet to see the best of Argentina international Maxi Rodriguez.

The midfielder has made three starts and three substitute appearances since arriving on a free transfer from Atletico Madrid during the January transfer window.

"For new players it is always difficult but he has given us some quality in possession and good movement," he said.

"Maxi is working hard and I think he will improve.

"He still have to improve his English and he is having lessons.

"He has Mascherano and Insua always around to help him a little bit, but he is very happy here."

Liverpool Academy youngster Conor Coady captained England Under-17s to a 1-1 draw against France in the Algarve Tournament in Portugal on Saturday.

Clubmates Jack Robinson and Andre Wisdom also played 90 minutes.

All three were also involved when John Peacock's side beat Ukraine 3-0 in their second match yesterday.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.