England pair to miss U21s clash

Johnson and Gardner have both been in fine form for their clubs

In-form duo Michael Johnson and Craig Gardner are both out of England Under-21s' Euro 2009 qualifiers against Montenegro and the Republic of Ireland.

Johnson has been in sparkling form for high-flying Manchester City, while Gardner's goals have helped Aston Villa climb to eighth in the table.

QPR's Dexter Blackstock and Morecambe goalkeeper Joe Lewis are also out.

England play Montenegro at the Walkers Stadium on Friday and Ireland in Cork the following Tuesday.

Stuart Pearce's side have won both their qualifiers so far and he is looking for more points before an important qualifier in Portugal in November.

"We feel that we have picked up two very good results away from home, but we're not top of the group. It tells us straightaway how difficult this group is, and we can't afford any slip-ups," said Pearce.