Jody Craddock backs Roger Johnson to shine

Published Nov 7, 2016

Last updated Dec 8, 2011

Jody Craddock today backed Wolves captain Roger Johnson to become a "top calibre player" again.

The 36-year-old replaced the axed Johnson for Sunday's 2-1 win against Sunderland, but is now ruled out for 10 days.

The skipper is set to return for Saturday's clash at Manchester United with the veteran now out injured.

Craddock tweeted: "Grade 1, hamstring strain, about 10 days" last night following a scan on the injury sustained just seconds before he conceded a harshly-awarded penalty.

Wolves' longest-serving player will miss the United clash and the visit of his former loan club Stoke a week on Saturday and won't be available until the Norwich home game on December 20.

Johnson, who cost £4.5m in the summer, was dropped after a dip in performances.

But Craddock believes the former Birmingham stopper will come good.

"The manager wouldn't have bought him if he wasn't a top calibre player who could come in and do a job," Craddock told the Express & Star.

"It's always hard going to a new club and settling in and trying to be worthy of that position.

"But he's a professional, he'll go about his job the right way and he'll work at it.

"I'm sure Roger was frustrated to have been dropped – just as any player would – but I'm sure he'll be fine.

"It was a big decision because the gaffer brought Roger in and made him captain.

"But I've picked up this injury now so it changes back round again."