Jemal Johnson

Blackburn Rovers

Though born in the United States, Johnson's family moved to Macclesfield when he was five. Originally signed by Manchester United, Johnson joined Blackburn Rovers' Academy when he was 16. Johnson made his first-team debut as a substitute in Rovers' FA Cup Third round 1–1 tie at Cardiff City on January 8, 2005, replacing Paul Dickov after 89 minutes. He scored his first senior goal, in his first start, on January 29 at Ewood Park, in Blackburn's fourth round 3–0 victory over Colchester United. He also played in the fifth round goalless draw with Burnley at Turf Moor, but played not further part in Rovers' semi-final run. He also made three substitute appearances in the Premier League during the 2004–05 season. In October 2005, he joined Championship side Preston North End on loan, he played three games at Deepdale, scoring against Hull City. In March 2006 he joined League Two Darlington on a six-week loan, manager David Hodgson having tracked him since July 2004. Johnson scored three times in nine starts.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Having failed to establish himself in the Rovers first-team, Johnson joined Championship club Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2006 for an undisclosed fee. He scored two match-winning goals in his first two league games for the club – to the delight of manager Mick McCarthy, but by the end of the season he scored just one further goal. He joined Leeds United on a three-month loan in February 2007 but had a…

Johnson is a fast player who is effective in one-on-one situations and capable of scoring from long range.