Dowie backs Johnson for England

By Vicki Hodges

Johnson has scored 71 goals in all competitions in last three seasons

Iain Dowie is amazed Andy Johnson has not been touted as the main man to cover for injured England striker Wayne Rooney in the World Cup squad.

The Crystal Palace manager feels Johnson has been overlooked by the national side to date but that the time is right for him to step into the void.

Dowie told BBC Sport: "I am surprised he hasn't been mentioned more.

"Who's scored 21 goals in the Premier League that's an Englishman? Andy did in a struggling side last year."

The Eagles boss added: "Andy has proven himself in the Premiership.

"He's sharp, he's bright, he can unsettle defenders and stretch games long. He can come to feet and play short - there's not too many weaknesses in his game."

It doesn't matter that Andy's name hasn't been mentioned, as long as he's in Sven's mind it doesn't matter Iain Dowie

Johnson has notched 17 goals in 37 games in the Championship this season to help take Palace into the play-offs.

But despite doubts over Wayne Rooney's fitness after he broke a metatarsal in his right foot against Chelsea on Saturday and on-going concerns regarding Michael Owen, the former Birmingham striker remains somewhat of a forgotten man.

West Ham's Dean Ashton and Arsenal's Theo Walcott have been two outsiders speculated as possible forwards that could make up the initial squad of 27 bound for Germany.

However, Dowie believes Johnson, who has only made one full appearance for England as a right winger against the USA in 2005, has not had a chance to prove himself on the big stage.

"He hasn't had a real opportunity for England - maybe this could be his time," said Dowie.

I wouldn't take Johnson - over a year in a lower league makes it too risky From RC Have your say on 606

"You'd hate it to be at the demise of other great strikers like Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney because they're key players but if that happens it happens."

Johnson still has a chance to show England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson what he is capable of as Palace shape up for their play-off semi-final against Watford.

The first leg kicks off at Selhurst Park this Saturday, and Dowie added: "I would be surprised if Sven or Tord (Grip) weren't here.

"But it is not a big deal that Andy's name hasn't been mentioned more to make the squad. As long as he's in Sven's mind it doesn't matter."