Roger Johnson ups the Wolves ante
Friday 22nd July 2011, 4:00PM BST.
Christophe Berra has admitted the arrival of Roger Johnson has turned up the heat for Wolves defenders.
The signing of manager Mick McCarthy’s first-choice target was seen as a major coup and a statement of intent from Wolves, as they prepare for their third successive season in the Premier League.
And Berra, who has played mostly alongside Johnson in the two pre-season friendlies so far, believes Johnson will keep the likes of himself, Jody Craddock and Richard Stearman on their toes.
The Scotland international Said: “It’s healthy to have that level of competition no matter what position you’re playing in.
“It means the rest of us have to raise our game to get in the team and I’m sure Roger will feel exactly the same.
“That’s the case especially in the Premier League which is one of the biggest in the world and every club is going to be strengthening in the summer.
“Everyone needs to be on their toes to try to keep their place and make sure they improve from last season.
“It’s been enjoyable lining up with Roger but we all know what sort of player he is and the quality he has.
“We’ll all be trying to do what we can to get in the team and it doesn’t matter who you are – if your standards slip you’ll find yourself out of the team.”
Both centre-backs are in Wolves’ squad for tomorrow’s friendly at Notts County and Berra is expecting a tough test against opponents who Wolves needed extra-time to beat in the Carling Cup last season.
He said: “Friendlies can be tough because when you come up against teams from the lower divisions they’re really up for it, but it helps us and gives us a good workout.
“We can always take out of the game what we need to take out of it but it was good to get a victory at Walsall.
“Hopefully we can follow that up with an improved performance against Notts County tomorrow.”
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