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Search forJohnson hands James Wilson four-year City contract
Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 08:00
And the Robins manager has backed his judgement by handing the Wales Under-21 international defender a four-year contract.
Wilson has put pen to paper on a long-term deal which will keep him at City until the summer of 2012. A product of the club's successful youth Academy, Wilson made his first-team debut 10 days ago when coming on as a second-half substitute in the Coca-Cola Championship victory over Southampton at St Mary's.
And Johnson believes that will be the first of many appearances for the young 6ft 3in centre-back.
"I'm sure James has a big future with this club and that's why he's been offered such a long deal," said the Londoner.
"He's already a Welsh international and he's going to be a very good player. This contract recognises that fact and shows the faith we have in him.
"It also gives him time to develop his game properly without feeling under pressure to prove himself. We don't want him worrying that he's not in the first team, because there's plenty of time for that."
Handed his first taste of senior football when joining Brentford on loan earlier this season, Wilson made a good impression during his three-month stint at Griffin Park.
Johnson said: "We watched James throughout his time at Brentford and he proved he was capable of playing League football.
"He went there as a boy and came back a man. Providing he keeps training as he does and working on his game, he will become a Championship player at the very least.
"He's had a teriffic 12 months and fully deserves this contract."
Wilson came through the Academy set-up alongside fellow Wales Under-21 international defender Christian Ribeiro, who also recently signed a four-year deal.
"It just goes to show that Academy players will be given a chance at this club if they are good enough," added Johnson.
"Cole Skuse has played a lot of games and James and Christian have both had a taste of first-team football. They will both play a lot more games in the future."
Speaking ahead of last night's reserve team game against Plymouth Argyle, Wilson said: "I'm absolutely buzzing right now and everything's really progressing for me.
"I'm thrilled with the new deal, coming so soon after my City debut, and now my aim is to keep pushing for chances with the first team."
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