But the England hopeful, for whom the match is likely to present just a 13th start of the campaign since his switch from Middlesbrough, can’t wait.
“It is the kind of game in which anyone would want to play in,” he declared. “It is the kind of game that I wanted to be involved in when I joined City and the most important in which I have been part of.
The ground will be packed and the atmosphere incredible and to be honest I can’t wait
...Adam Johnson
“We have got to be strong both in our mental approach and physically. It is a must win match for us and we know that.”
Despite his relatively tender years, Johnson loves the big match atmosphere and is sure that he and his teammates will not buckle under the weight of expectation on Wednesday night.
“There will be pressure there for sure but I don’t mind that,” he asserted.
“I like pressurised situations and in terms of the team I think we showed on Saturday when we were a goal behind after 40 minutes against Aston Villa that we can handle adversity within a game and be strong.
“Obviously Spurs will come here full of confidence after their recent run but with our crowd behind us and our home record they will know they face a huge challenge.”
Johnson could be joined in the squad for the match by Gareth Barry after the midfielder made progress from a hamstring strain but the Blues will definitely be without Shay Given, Joleon Lescott and Stephen Ireland for the contest.
