City new boy Oli Johnson admitted that his start to life in Norfolk has been a ‘whirlwind’, after two sparkling cameos for Paul Lambert’s Canaries.
His pace and trickery against Exeter two weeks ago when introduced as a substitute was impressive enough.
But he went one better in last weekend’s 5-0 thrashing of Colchester, coming off the bench and scoring City’s fourth in what was a glorious afternoon.
And Johnson, brought to Carrow Road from Stockport for an undisclosed fee just over two weeks ago, is living the dream. He was playing non league football only 15 months ago, remember.
“It’s been a whirlwind, mad at times, but you have to keep level headed and keep your feet on the ground,” said the Yorkshireman, speaking to the press at Colney yesterday.
“I know there is still a lot of work to do, I have not achieved anything yet in football. I want to be a success and I know I’m going to have to work hard to do that.
“I know it was just a cameo against Exeter and I didn’t expect that reaction – it took me back a bit. But I can’t rest on that, I’ve got to keep working hard. I can’t just think on two games I have won over the fans.
“But I am really pleased with how it is going. Just to get on the pitch is a bonus, and to score a goal last week was really special to be honest.
“I knew if I could get on the bench, and did get on, it would be a bonus. I’m just really glad I have been able to contribute to the team.”
And he certainly enjoyed the occasion even though, in real terms, Colchester v Norwich isn’t a huge derby clash.
But with all the hype surrounding the fixture, Johnson sat back, soaked it up – and delivered the killer blow to net his first goal in Canary colours.
“It was a special atmosphere before and after the game, then to win the game with the score we did was pretty amazing really. After the lack of wins with my previous club, it was a real buzz.
“But it was bit surreal if I’m honest! Scoring a goal and seeing all the screaming fans was a bit strange for me.”
His pace has certainly been a welcome addition to the City frontline, as for all their qualities, raw speed isn’t a Holt, Hoolahan or Martin speciality.
And for Johnson, the aim is to excite the Canary faithful once again, with Brentford coming to town for today’s League One encounter.
“I used to be a bit quicker! When you have eight minutes, you want to make most of your time on the pitch.
“You want keep the ball moving, have a few runs and excite the fans a bit if possible. To just to get on the pitch against Brentford and hopefully contribute to another win is the aim. If I could get another goal, that would be another bonus for me.”
Despite being away from his northern base for the first time, the 22-year-old also revealed he is settling in well – even if there were a few nerves about the big move.
“I’m still in hotel at the moment, looking for a place. But the settling in period has been really good – better than I thought.
“I was really apprehensive about moving so far from home but all the lads and staff have been great with me, helping me settle. It could not have gone better.”
What price another Johnson super-sub showing today? Watch this space.
Tom Haylett
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