Plymouth's Johnson has been called up by Benin for the Nations Cup

The manager of English club Plymouth Argyle has asked Benin to delay their call-up of defender Reda Johnson.

Johnson has been named in the provisional squad for the Squirrels' Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

He has only just returned to action for the Championship side after a long injury lay-off.

"I've spoken to the head coach of Benin to see if we can get some help with him not going so early," Plymouth boss Paul Mariner told the BBC.

"We're very very hopeful that that can happen, I'm sure that he will understand the position that we're in."

Mariner was full of praise for the young star.

"He's a young player, but he can leap, he can head the ball, he can attack, he's got a nice eye for a pass, he can close people down - so you think you've got a multi-million dollar player on your hands.

"He's got a long way to go but he's got some tremendous attributes."

Benin have been drawn against Mozambique, Nigeria and Egypt

Plymouth are bottom of the second tier of English football and if Benin have an extended stay in Angola, Johnson could miss up to 8 games for his club.

He is part of a 25-man provisional squad named by Benin coach Michel Dussuyer, which also includes established names like Razak Omotoyossi and Stephane Sessegnon.

Two players will have to be cut from the line-up before the tournament gets under way.

Benin are in Group C along with reigning champions Egypt, Mozambique and Nigeria.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version