Returning to Palace after World Cup heartbreak 'a bit of fresh air' - Johnson
[Getty Images] Crystal Palace's Brennan Johnson says returning to the club after missing out on qualification for this summer's World Cup with Wales over the international break has "felt like a bit of fresh air". The 24-year-old missed his penalty as Craig Bellamy's side lost a shoot-out to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off semi-finals. "Of course everyone on the team was really upset," said Johnson.
"But coming back here, I had numerous messages from the fellas straight after the game and also the staff. " Palace return to action for the first time since 19 March when they host Fiorentina in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final on Thursday. "It's felt like a bit of fresh air," Johnson added in the pre-match news conference.
"We've got some massive games to look forward to, so I think that's really helped in focusing on something else, and it's one we're all really excited for. " When asked about Palace being favourites to win the Conference League, Johnson, who signed from Europa League winners Tottenham in January, said: "Personally, I feel like I use that as confidence. "When you get to the quarter-finals, semi-finals and you're up against amazing teams, use it as confidence as much as we can, but at the same time know these teams provide real quality as well.
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