AJ signs new five-year deal

Last updated : 02 August 2005 By Nik Taylor

Andrew Johnson has completed a remarkable turnaround by tearing up his transfer request and signing a new five-year deal with Crystal Palace.

Johnson had been linked with a host of Premiership clubs, but has decided to stay with the Eagles after being assured his international future will not be affected by playing in the Championship next season.

The 24-year-old striker had previously submitted a transfer request in a bid to regain Premiership football to enhance his prospects of making the England squad for next summer's World Cup in Germany.

But Palace chairman Simon Jordan said Johnson would stay in the plans of England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, so long as he keeps scoring.

"We have spoken to Sven-Goran Eriksson and he has every chance of being in the England squad that goes to Germany," Jordan told reporters at this morning's hastily arranged press conference.

Palace manager Iain Dowie agreed. "Playing in the Championship is no barrier to him being in the England squad," Dowie said.

"You always fear that you might lose him but we never wanted to sell him."

"It's a serious statement of intent that we have managed to keep Andrew and we are going to achieve things this season."

Johnson admitted the constant speculation over his future had unsettled him, but said he was now fully committed to taking Palace back into the top flight.

"It's been a difficult couple of months and I have committed my future to Crystal Palace," he said.

"Now I want to let my football do the talking and fire Crystal Palace back to the Premiership which I know we are capable of doing."