Johnson shows signs of recovery

Birmingham City`s Damien Johnson is showing signs of recovery and Blues hope to have him back in training within eight weeks after having surgery on his back.

Johnson had been ordered to rest after the operation on his disc and the problem should be over once and for all.

‘He’s about eight to 10 weeks before he will start training with the first team again,’ said Alex McLeish to the Birmingham Mail.

‘He’s come in and he’s walking gingerly at the moment. But he is back at the training ground and he’s been in the gym now and again, and I think he’s delighted to get out of the house, see the boys again and mingle with the players.

‘He had quite a solid season last year. When I came in he played the majority of the games, and at a good level.

‘But his back was always troubling him and hopefully the fact that he’s had something done about it now it will add three or four more years to his career.’