Jones praises goal hero Johnson

Eddie Johnson expresses his relief after scoring his first goal in Europe

Dave Jones praised Eddie Johnson's spirit as the American international striker scored his first goal in Europe as Cardiff eased past Doncaster 3-0.

Johnson, on loan from Premier League side Fulham, scored at his 23rd attempt for the Championship club as the Bluebirds cemented their play-off bid.

Cardiff boss Jones joked: "They'll be printing T-shirts saying 'I was there!'

"But his goal was well deserved as he has been superb, he works his socks off and everyone is delighted for him."

Johnson joined Cardiff on a season-long loan from Fulham in August 2008 but his lack of goals have been criticised.

The 24-year-old, who has scored 12 goals for the American national team, scored goals with FC Dallas and the Kansas City Wizards in Major League Soccer in the United States.

But since his move to Europe and Fulham in January 2008, he has struggled to hit the back of the net.

606: DEBATE I am delighted that Eddie scored and Ninian Park erupted when he did BradleyStokeBluebird

Jones, though, praised Johnson's performance in Cardiff's 3-1 midweek win over Barnsley and admits his first goal was well deserved.

"He was superb for us on Tuesday," said Jones.

"And when he replaced Jay Bothroyd for us against Doncaster, he carried on that form.

"He is an honest lad and works hard. He has shown his quality in front of goal plenty of times in training and now we're pleased he has done it on the pitch."

Michael Chopra and Bothroyd had given the play-off chasers a first-half lead before Johnson cut in from the right hand side to curl the ball past Doncaster keeper Neil Sullivan on the hour at Ninian Park.

"I was glad he did it in front of our own fans," said Jones.

"They appreciate hard-workers and the applause he got couldn't be more deserved."