Wales boss Robert Page has backed Brennan Johnson to ignore the transfer talk surrounding him and focus on his country’s Euro 2024 qualifiers.
The Nottingham Forest flier returns to the international set-up for the first time since missing March’s matches with injury. He does so having helped the Reds retain their Premier League status but also being the subject of a reported £30million bid from Brentford.
The Bees have been long-time admirers of the 22-year-old who is set to earn his 19th and 20th caps against Armenia on Friday and Turkey on Monday.
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Wales boss page says he has no concerns about Johnson having seen the way he has comported himself in the recent past. "He is a great lad and I think he has got a great support network around him,” Page said. “I know his dad, I've played against his dad.
"I was impressed with the way they conducted themselves in January (2022) when his head could have been turned and he could have had the opportunity to go to what was so-called a bigger club. He didn't and I thought he made the right decision for his development.
"I trust the people around him to give him good advice. He is a level-headed lad. He's sensible and his full focus will be on this game on Friday."
Johnson’s captain Aaron Ramsey, who now plays for Nice, echoed Page’s comments. "We’ve built a great environment everyone wants to be a part of. Over the last so many years we have put ourselves in positions to qualify for major tournaments. It's a great privilege and honour to represent your country. For every player here I'm sure that's the same and they will be giving absolutely everything.
"He is a quality player. He is always going to have that bit of noise around him, but he is focused and ready to put on that Welsh shirt. The quality Brennan possesses, he’s very dangerous in behind. He has been showing that all season in the Premiership. Having him in the squad is only going to strengthen us. Hopefully he will be ready to go to give his best in the next two games.
"You’ve seen it all season in the Premiership. He is very rapid, poses a threat in behind and scored a few goals as well, his final product is very good. Hopefully he can be a threat for us in the coming games."
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