Norwich City’s Bradley Johnson’s absence a chance for others to step up

Bradley Johnson's two match suspension is a big loss to Norwich City, says Steven Whittaker. Picture: Paul Chesterton / Focus Images ©Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222

Even Steven Whittaker found it difficult to sum up Bradley Johnson’s season so far – all he hopes now is that Norwich City can cope in his absence.

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Johnson has been the man for many a moment this term and is the red-hot favourite to be named Norwich City’s player of the season come May.

But at a crucial time in their promotion bid, the Canaries going to have to deal with loss of Johnson for Saturday’s trip to Bolton and then his former club Leeds on Tuesday night – with the latter a particularly galling one.

The midfielder’s 10th booking of the campaign in Monday’s win over Sheffield Wednesday ensured Johnson’s suspension, with goals number 12 and 13 of the season in the 2-0 win underlining why the 27-year-old has been so crucial to the Canaries – off the back of the only goal in Good Friday’s win at Brighton.

“He’s been fantastic all season and his goals have been vital to us from that left side – words can’t describe the way he’s taken some of his goals; they’ve been fantastic,” said City full-back Whittaker.

“So he’ll be a miss no doubt. But we’ve got the depth in the squad, so hopefully someone will come in and do the job that he’s been doing. And then he’ll be ready to come back after his suspension.”

And that one will be the biggest game remaining, as City host fellow automatic promotion rivals Middlesbrough on Friday week.

As for Johnson and the end of season awards – be it those voted for by the supporters or the players – Whittaker was playing it cool.

He said: “We’ll have something like that coming up ourselves, and the amount of goals he’s scored from midfield I’m sure he’ll be a contender – definitely.”