Keep Your Head Up, AJ: Andy Johnson's Rocky Ride

Nothing ever seems to go right for a footballer who's lost his touch.

The crosses aren’t as perfect as they used to be, the tackles aren't as crisp, the shooting isn’t as precise...even when all you need is that one goal to get your swagger back.

For Andy Johnson, six months has been an awful long time to go without scoring.

Johnson's latest performance in the UEFA Cup may have been the most disheartening—the striker missed two opportunities from the penalty spot as his side failed to come away with a victory against Metalist Kharkiv.

"Footballers go through things like this but I would like to apologize for the fans because I am better than that and they know I am better than that," Johnson said after the match. "Obviously strikers go through things like this and there is only one way to put things right and that is out on the training field. I will come through this. These are the things that make you stronger."

Johnson's character and courage are admirable. After all, not many footballers would have apologized as openly as he did.

But Johnson's class can't compensate for his poor play. To get back on track, he's going to have to produce on the field.

Johnson is still a brilliant player, with tremendous heart and excellent pace. Without him, Everton would have had trouble securing a spot in the UEFA Cup.

Indeed, Johnson has always found a way onto David Moyes’ first team at Everton. Unfortunately, he hasn't had as much success with England manager Steve McClaren.

Overshadowed by flashier players like Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen, AJ hasn’t been given a fair opportunity to showcase his ability at the international level. A recent slew of injuries have limited McLaren's options at striker, though—which could be the opportunity Johnson has been waiting for.

England will be under pressure to deliver in their Euro 2008 qualifiers against Russia and Estonia. If he Johnson plays, look out—AJ will be aiming to prove his critics wrong and repay the fans at Goodison Park with a solid performance.

All told, Johnson is the type of player who needs a goal to get his confidence back. Once he gets going, there’s no telling what he'll be capable of.

There are better and brighter things to come—just you wait and see.