David Johnson has ended the speculation surrounding his international career by committing himself to Norway.... er Scotland. The diminutive striker took a trip to Ibrox last night to see Rangers beat PSV 4-1.

Johnson said that it was the passion of Scottish supporters which finally swung him in the direction of Craig Brown's side.

The Town striker said last night: "I arrived in Scotland yesterday and was given a great welcome by the media and the Scottish people.

"Last night I went to see the Champions League match against PSV, in which Rangers played brilliantly.

"The passion of the Scottish supporters during the match was an exceptional experience.

"You certainly understand and appreciate good football here. I was invited to Scotland by Craig Brown to discuss the possibility of making myself available for selection to play for the national team.

"Questions have been asked about how I, with no obvious links to Scotland, can show the same passion playing for the country as a footballer born and bred here.

"At Ibrox last night I saw a Rangers team made up of many foreign players who gave 100% for the club, I do not see why this should be different for me at international level.

"Questions have been asked about my links with other countries and why Scotland now. The answer is that I was only invited to consider Scotland last week."

If picked for the games with England Johnson will become the first black player to represent the sporran-wearers and the first at full level without a Scottish bloodline. More importantly it will mean that Town's game with Tranmere that weekend will be postponed.

Jonas Axeldal continued his rich vein of form for the reserves last night as the second string beat Northampton 3-2. The Axeman, hoping to impress George Burley into giving him more that three minutes in a full game, scored after 77 minutes, his eleventh goal in six games.

Richard Naylor (12) and Sean Friars (68) scored the first two goals. The Town side was Pullen, Kennedy, Croft, Moffat, Bramble, Brown, Friars (Keeble 83 mins), Naylor (J Wright 46 mins), Axeldal, Logan, Holster. Unused Subs: Niemi, Inglis, O'Neill

Rumours abound regarding an alleged fall out between George Burley and Manu Thetis on Tuesday night. Manu was not even selected as a substitute for the Charlton game and was again missing for last night's reserve game with Northampton. There is even one report suggesting that Manu was seen driving away from the ground less than an hour before kick-off.

In his year at the club Manu has shown himself to be fiery tempered, something that George Burley has commented on before. Could his being dropped have led him to one tantrum too far?

Photo: Action Images

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