Brennan Johnson is dreaming of firing Crystal Palace to Conference League glory after he struck the winner for Tottenham in last season's Europa League final
Brennan Johnson
Brennan Johnson joined Crystal Palace in January from Tottenham and is now set to feature in his second successive major European final
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Brennan Johnson wrote himself into Tottenham folklore one year ago in Bilbao. Now he's dreaming of doing it all over again with Crystal Palace in Leipzig.
The 25-year-old attacker, a £35million big-money January capture from Spurs, is yet to hit the back of the net in 26 appearances for the Eagles.
Yet he does not shy away from the fact he's been manifesting coming up trumps in his second successive major European final as he looks to provide Oliver Glasner with the perfect parting gift.
He said: "I think it kind of creeps into my mind naturally, it's something that I definitely want to replicate. I know we have a massive job to do and hopefully, as a team, we can do it together."
Palace edged several Premier League rivals, Bournemouth, Everton and Sunderland were also keen, to Johnson's signature after he was brutally forced out of Tottenham.
Glasner was central to those discussions but two weeks later, he pulled Johnson and his new team-mates aside into a meeting room and informed them that he'd be quitting Selhurst Park at the end of the season.
The Wales international's stomach dropped. He concedes the change of scenery has not come without struggle but tomorrow, against Rayo Vallecano, represents the chance to flip the script on its head.
Johnson, who has taken inspiration from watching back footage of Palace's historic FA Cup triumph, continued: "It's not something I've had the time to reflect on [leaving Tottenham], to be honest, just because of how it works in January.
"I literally signed here and two days later, I was up in Newcastle playing. It all happened so fast.
"It was a new experience for me, changing teams mid-season and I'll be honest, it was one that I probably struggled with a little bit at the time.
"It was all new, even though it was only in London - a new changing room, team and club.
"What I can say is the boys, staff and fans have made me feel welcome and I owe a lot of thanks to them for that."
Oliver Glasner and Brennan Johnson
Oliver Glasner convinced Brennan Johnson to join Crystal Palace in January
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Johnson's parents David, formerly of Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, and Alison relished travelling around Europe during the winger's time at Tottenham.
It has been no different since he signed at Palace and that's why the Welshman is not just vying for Conference League glory but he also wants to secure Europa League qualification for next season.
He explained: "After last year, the European trips are a staple in their year, they want to do it every season. "They were in Florence plus games before that. It's massive for me, I love the fact they come to games, feel the support and get involved, it's unbelievable."
Brennan Johnson
Brennan Johnson was the hero for Tottenham in Bilbao last season
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Johnson wasn't part of the side that secured FA Cup glory at Wembley last season but he's watched back
Mid-interview, Johnson glances down towards his feet. A Europa League tattoo is visible on the inside of his right leg.
He insists there is space for a Conference League one to follow if Palace do the business in Germany, concluding: "I hope I can add one, I really hope so.
"Being able to do stuff like that is amazing, we've got a massive game and hopefully we can deliver, enjoy it and then celebrate after the game."
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