Roger Johnson wants England caps

Roger Johnson believes his move to Wolves can finally help him win an England place.

The 28-year-old, who was unveiled today, was included in several provisional squads as reward for his solid form for Birmingham over the last two years, without ever winning a place in Fabio Capello's full squad.

But the Carling Cup winner believes he can now push on and become the first Wolves defender since the late Emlyn Hughes in 1979-80 to be capped for the Three Lions.

Johnson said: "From the age of 28 to 32 is probably when you're at your peak so I feel on top of my game.

"I feel I've developed 10-fold since I've been in the Premier League. That's why it wasn't an option to go down to the Championship and that's why I've come.

"Playing in the Premier League was a factor in the decision and the England thing comes with that.

"It's down to me to perform to as good a standard as the England manager will want for his team.

"I spoke to Franco Baldini, England's assistant boss, and he said 'keep doing what you're doing, you're close.'

"So it's disappointing when you get into the provisional squad, it gets cut to 23 and your name isn't in it.

"You're waiting for that phone call and then you find out on Sky, like everyone else, if you're not in it.

"But hopefully now, being back in the Premier League, I can fight for that position.

"I'm that close – a couple of injuries and hopefully I get that chance. To get that call would be a great honour to say I'm in it.

"If I can perform to the levels I've done in the last couple of seasons, and get a bit of luck, then you never know.

"Just to get into the Wolves team will be a start."