Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Dalglish: Glen's Been Fantastic

Kenny Dalglish today paid tribute to the attitude of Glen Johnson following the England defender's impressive displays at left-back.

The Reds boss has been delighted by the No.2's commitment since taking charge and feels he has adapted well to the challenge of playing in an unfamiliar position in the back four.

Dalglish told his pre-match press conference: "Glen Johnson has been fantastic in the left-back position in the past three games. I don't recall anyone going past him.

"He was also involved in the first goal against Everton and was involved more defensively on Saturday. He did really well.

"For me, playing at left-back, he's doing us a favour. It's not really his chosen position. But he hasn't said a word against it, it's been no problem and he's just gone out and played.

"That's great and I think it just reflects his commitment and his attitude. The fact he is playing there and doing so well is a great credit to him. Also, he'll be thinking that Martin has done well and it would be unfair on him to leave him out."

Johnson's switch to left-back has come as a result of Martin Kelly's imperious form on the opposite flank.

Dalglish admits he has been more than satisfied with the youngster's displays of late and has likened his impact to making a new addition to the squad.

"Martin's done very well for the club," he said. "He's like a new signing for the club because that's four on the spin he's played now. In every game he's adapted well so he's done enough to have played the four games. He's earned it and it doesn't matter what age you are, if you are performing you'll have a chance of playing. He's certainly deserved his opportunities.

"He's been there or thereabouts before. He's been out on loan and had a couple of opportunities. He is getting a good bit of help from people around and about him. But it is impressive when you come into a team that isn't playing as well as it can and you play as well as he has done."

Liverpool will head into Wednesday's clash with Fulham on the back of an impressive 3-0 victory over Wolves.

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