'Can't play under pressure, you're in the wrong game' - Portsmouth man revelling in life at Fratton Park

He knew all about the increased pressure he’d face in terms of fan expectation and competition for a starting spot.

But the right-back is relishing every aspect of donning the star and crescent.

In fact, he believes he is thriving off it.

Johnson arrived at the Blues from Accrington for a fee of £200,000 during the summer, putting pen to paper on a two-year deal.

Despite being regarded as one of the best right-sided defenders in League One, he faced tough competition to win a starting spot.

James Bolton had arrived only 12 months earlier and made 33 appearances during the 2019-20 season.

Meanwhile, Haji Mnoga had impressed in pre-season training and thrust himself into Kenny Jackett’s thoughts.

However, Johnson has firmly established himself as first choice right-back. He’s made 26 appearances so far this term, scoring his maiden goal in last week's 2-1 FA Cup loss to Bristol City.

After spending two-and-a-half years at Stanley, the former Middlesbrough man accepts life as a Pompey player is a significant step up.

Not only is his place in Jackett’s side under threat during every training session but there’s carrying the burden of trying to help the Blues finally earn promotion back to the Championship.

Still, they’re all the reasons why he opted to make the switch to the south coast – and reckons anyone who can’t deal with those aspects is in the wrong game.

Johnson said: ‘I think there is more pressure but I play better under pressure, to be fair.

‘There is obviously no fans at the moment but I’m looking forward to that.

‘If you can't play under pressure then you are in the wrong game. You need to be able to do that and deal with that pressure and thrive off it.

‘At Accrington, I played just about every game that I was fit. But at Portsmouth, you know that there are people behind you and they’re going to push you all the way.

‘That’s why I joined this club because you need that. If you want to prove yourself and you want to push yourself to where you want to be then you'd better be prepared.

‘You can't rest on your laurels or go through the motions.

‘You've got to be at it in every training session and hopefully it will make me a better player.’

Pompey’s ambition from the start of the season has to seal League One promotion.

It’s the Blues' fourth campaign shacked to the third tier, having suffered play-off semi-final defeat in the past two years.

Should Jackett’s side achieve their goal, more players will inevitably arrive in the summer to add further strength to the squad.

But that’s something Johnson would welcome.

He added: ‘In the Championship, there would be even more competition. That’s what football is like.

‘The higher you go, the more competition and good players there are. That’s where we want to be.’