by Gary Rowett was impressed by the sportiness and versatility that midfielder Josh Johnson showed to Indonesia during the pre-season trip from Oxford United.
The 20-year-old, who borrowed two stints in Maidenhead United last season, was half and the same in the middle when U Arema FC defeated 4-0 to book her place in the President’s cup final.
Johnson suffered from the cramp shortly after the hour and was withdrawn, but had previously exaggerated an excellent ball to double Ole Romeny.
Slight failure and fiery challenges as U’s final: day six days in Indonesia
United head coach Rowett said: “His versatility, we knew that before the game. I would not have played him in the center back if I didn’t think he could handle it.
“He did it in training. He is a very sporty player and I think one of his challenges is to go through the games because he obviously didn’t play so many 90 minutes.
“He has been quite impressive so far. Some of the young players handled what they would like to see.”
Rowett added: “I would say that they have some players there who look as if they are certainly able to do a few moments in football, especially in the young Leo [Snowden] In the first half. You can see a nice balance, you can see how it dealt with this side of the game. I think he has a really brilliant future for our team.
“I am always a big believer that you have to give these players this commitment. I think this tour will be fantastic for those to experience them, and one or two of them could do just enough to stay with us.”
