Jemal Johnson is basking in the glow of a scintillating start to his Wolverhampton Wanderers career following his goalscoring debut against Burnley.
The 21-year-old striker arrived at Molineux only last Thursday but went straight into Mick McCarthy's team for the match at Turf Moor and scored the winner to give his new team-mates their first away win of the season.
Having come from Blackburn Rovers on a two-year deal, his choice of opposition could not have been more apposite considering the Ewood Park club's bitter rivalry with Steve Cotterill's men. For his part Johnson, who took his chance with real class, the afternoon could not have gone better as he outsprinted the home defence and slotted coolly past Brian Jensen.
Johnson said: "It was an eventful game and a great feeling to come in to Wolves, play my first game and to score on my debut as well.
"With my Blackburn connections the fans at Burnley were giving it loads, even before the game, but that made for a great atmosphere and I loved being out there. I knew I'd get a bit of agro from their fans but it didn't really bother me.
"As for the goal, I've had to watch it back on television because I couldn't really remember what exactly happened. I was just delighted to score."
Johnson made only ten appearances for Blackburn, and the American-born forward is hopeful of enjoying more regular football at Molineux.
"When you're at a Premiership club you know that, as a young player, your chances might be limited," he said. "They have the ability to get experienced players in and so there's always someone in front of you. So, I jumped at the chance to come here when it came along.
"Every player wants to be getting regular football and now I just need to get my head down and work hard. I am feeling confident and I want to do my very best here."
Meanwhile, Newcastle United have rejected a bid from Wolves to sign winger Alan O'Brien on loan.
McCarthy is looking to strengthen the left flank of his side with defender Lee Naylor close to joining Celtic but his counterpart at St James' Park, Glenn Roeder, ruled out the possibility saying: "Wolves have come in for O'Brien but he is staying with us."
The 21-year-old Dubliner is yet to start a match for the Magpies. He has featured from the bench four times and played five matches during a loan spell at Carlisle in League Two last season.
