Johnson not fit enough to start

Last updated : 03 August 2005 By Chris Mumby
Johnson
Johnson
The 34-year-old ex-Celtic and Aston Villa man has suffered from numerous injury problems over the last three years, and having only played two sets of 45 minutes during pre-season boss Brian Laws is not prepared to risk Johnson by starting him.

Laws told BBC Radio Humberside: "He's not match fit and that's the problem.

"He is fit to play and I'm sure I could throw him onto the pitch if I want to, but I don't know if the risk factor is too great for this Saturday.

"He's only played two 45 minute games. We need to improve that area as soon as we possibly can and we hope to work on that in the next few weeks."

Meanwhile, Laws will hand a trial to an unnamed midfielder on Thursday with a view to adding the player to his squad ahead of Saturday's game.