Parson Henry
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Crystal Palace manager Iain Dowie reckons Andy Johnson should be leading the line for England against Northern Ireland on Wednesday.
The former Irish international, who hit 12 goals for his country, is upset to see his centre forward continually overlooked by Sven Goran Eriksson, even though Johnson is in the squad and played on the summer United States tour.
Indeed, Dowie has argued that the former Birmingham City striker should oust Michael Owen from the team.
"Andrew Johnson was the top English goalscorer last year," the Eagles boss told Sky Sports News. "Yet, in discussions, we don't seem to mention that.
"We talk about Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen, quite rightly, and then no-one ever seems to mention AJ. I don't seem to understand that.
"I work with him every day; I know how good a player he is. If you show me someone who scored two better goals than he did last week then I'm a monkey's uncle, for sure."
Dowie also emphasised that the formation and system employed by Eriksson would not affect Johnson's performance.
"Andy played all last season in a 4-3-3 or 4-5-1," he asserted. "He scored 32 goals in a 4-4-2.
"He is a top player who can play in any position.
"Simple as that.
"His record proves it. He was the top English scorer in The Premiership last year.
"I don't understand why people don't quote that.
"We should be applauding [the fact] that we have an English scorer who does it week in, week out.
"Scrutinise his record over the last 20 months," he instructed. "It bears up to severe examination. Trust me."
All that cut'n paste is worth it just for the monkey's uncle comment.
The former Irish international, who hit 12 goals for his country, is upset to see his centre forward continually overlooked by Sven Goran Eriksson, even though Johnson is in the squad and played on the summer United States tour.
Indeed, Dowie has argued that the former Birmingham City striker should oust Michael Owen from the team.
"Andrew Johnson was the top English goalscorer last year," the Eagles boss told Sky Sports News. "Yet, in discussions, we don't seem to mention that.
"We talk about Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen, quite rightly, and then no-one ever seems to mention AJ. I don't seem to understand that.
"I work with him every day; I know how good a player he is. If you show me someone who scored two better goals than he did last week then I'm a monkey's uncle, for sure."
Dowie also emphasised that the formation and system employed by Eriksson would not affect Johnson's performance.
"Andy played all last season in a 4-3-3 or 4-5-1," he asserted. "He scored 32 goals in a 4-4-2.
"He is a top player who can play in any position.
"Simple as that.
"His record proves it. He was the top English scorer in The Premiership last year.
"I don't understand why people don't quote that.
"We should be applauding [the fact] that we have an English scorer who does it week in, week out.
"Scrutinise his record over the last 20 months," he instructed. "It bears up to severe examination. Trust me."
All that cut'n paste is worth it just for the monkey's uncle comment.
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