Town had no players included in the Division One Team of the Season announced by the PFA last night. The only Blues connection is former striker David Johnson who has had an impressive season with Nottingham Forest, scoring 27 goals so far.

Johnson, out of favour at the City Ground last season, has also been named the Tricky Trees' Player of the Year, an award he seems particularly pleased with: “It's well documented that a year ago I didn't really know whether or not I had a future with Forest. I had been out on loan with Sheffield Wednesday and Burnley and half expected to be on my way.

“But I reported back for pre-season training at the City Ground, did quite well in the friendly matches and managed to secure a place in the manager's team for the first game.

“Fortunately everything went well from there and I've had a really good season, which hopefully we can top-off with promotion through the play-offs.”

“I'm really chuffed — I've never won anything before this season. The Irish Branch of the Supporters' Club made me their Player of the Year and I was presented with that award before last Monday's game with Burnley.

“I was thrilled with that, I thought Michael Dawson might get it, but when I knew it was me I rang my wife to break the news to her and she was as excited as I was.

“But to get the main award really is a massive honour and I'm very proud.

“It's nice to get individual awards but the icing on the cake for me would be getting promotion through the play-offs.”

There will be hopes at Portman Road that Johnson and Forest do progress to the Premiership as it is understood that when the striker left Town in January 2001 there was a clause in the deal which will land the Blues £500,000 if the Midlanders are promoted within four years.

Town are already guaranteed some extra summer income after Birmingham City guaranteed their Premiership status on Saturday. A clause in the Jamie Clapham deal means that Town will receive £500,000 on top of the original transfer fee.

Division One Team of the Season: Shaka Hislop (Portsmouth), Denis Irwin (Wolves), Michael Dawson, Joleon Lescott (Wolves), Matthew Taylor (Portsmouth), Michael Brown (Sheffield United), Muzzy Izzet (Leicester), Paul Merson (Portsmouth), Michael Tonge (Sheffield United), David Johnson (Nottingham Forest), Paul Dickov (Leicester).

Photo: Action Images

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