I'm happy for Damien Johnson to be captain - Liam Ridgewell

Dec 28 2007 By Colin Tattum

LIAM Ridgewell today revealed he had no problem losing the Birmingham City captaincy to Damien Johnson.

The centre-half said it would not lessen his resolve to act as one of the team's leaders.

When Johnson first returned to the Blues side after injury a fortnight ago, Ridgewell kept the armband.

But Ridgewell's suspension at Bolton Wanderers meant Johnson resumed duties, and carried on for Middlesbrough's visit.

"No, it's not an issue," said Ridgewell. "He's obviously the captain of the club and I was just standing in for him.

"It was the manager's wish and I respect that. With me being suspended, he got the armband back and he's kept it. I have no problem with that, I will just get on with my game.

"It doesn't affect the way I am, if I have the armband or not. I will go out there and give my performance, talk to everyone and rally the troops.

"It's obviously nice to be a captain, but if I'm not I'll just get on with my job."

New manager Alex McLeish, like predecessor Steve Bruce, feels the midfielder is an important performer for Blues.

Johnson has been preferred to Mehdi Nafti - Johnson's opening came when Nafti was suspended for the Reading game on December 15 - and McLeish feels his experience and the way he leads by example are musts.

Another recent change by McLeish has been Radhi Jaidi's return at centre-half.

His towering physical presence and heading ability has added some extra oomph to the backline.

Ridgewell, who has had four different central defensive partners in league and cup this season, said: "I think he has done fantastically coming back in.

"He went out of the side and people were ahead of him, but he's forced his way back in and has played well. Alongside me he does help.

"Not many people are going to win battles against him, it's excellent to have him there."