Johnson strikes impress Jol
Fulham manager Martin Jol set his sights on tying Andrew Johnson down to a new contract after he proved the matchwinner at Odense on Thursday.
The 30-year-old's brace helped the Cottagers end an eight-game winless run and secure three points in Group K of the Europa League at the Odense Stadion. Johnson, whose contract expires at the end of the season, broke the deadlock with a strike that snuck under goalkeeper Stefan Wessels, before netting a neat curling effort with two minutes to go.
"He is top scorer in Europe if you count qualification matches too. He was a handful," said Jol.
He added: "He hasn't done it in the league but sometimes you have to give him the opportunities too.
"The second goal was unbelievable. The ball was high and he took it on his shoe. It was amazing. It came from nothing.
"We have offered him another two years so there is a lot of confidence in him.
"Sometimes it's better to start talking in December or January. Andy is a good boy and a good worker. He has one year left and hopefully we can change that. If not, it is in his hands. He is a team player and will give you his all.
Many Odense fans felt the 2-0 defeat was harsh given the balance of possession and manager Henrik Clausen was also frustrated by the result.
"The situation in the group is where you'd expect it to be with Fulham and Twente the favourites," he said. "I saw a lot of opportunities to get a point but we didn't so that decreases our chances of going through.
"But there's a long way until December 14 and we still have two home games. Plus if we have a good day at Fulham we still have a chance to go through and I will be very happy."
