Congratulations to Andrew Johnson on getting named as one of two stand-by strikers for England's World Cup Squad. It was one of Sven's more sensible choices in naming AJ, ahead of Darren Bent, alongside Tottenham's Jermaine Defoe as cover for the doubtful pair of Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.

Yes, AJ hasn't had the best of seasons in the Championship due to injury, but for me (and obviously the England management team) he offers more than Bent in terms of flexibility and sheer pace. AJ can play as the lone striker, on the wing or as part of a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3. AJ's goal ratio over the last two seasons is also significantly better than Bent's.

But two questions remain will AJ even get to the World Cup, and if he does will he get there as a Palace player?

Rooney has to be blessed from above to recover in time for the June 9 deadline, and by common consensus he probably won't make it.

Michael Owen is likely to go as his injury is less serious, but with the wildcard of Theo Walcott in the side who would Sven plump for to compliment Owen, Walcott and Crouch?

Defoe, with just nine league goals this season and suffering from a lack of form, or AJ 17 goals and reasonable form?

We could have a situation where England are spearheaded in attack by two players whose last competitive club games before going to Germany were for Championship clubs. Steve Bull would be proud!

So, if AJ gets the nod to face the League One standard of defending from Trinidad and Tobago, will it be as an Eagle?

Whether Palace are Championship or Premiership it is arguable that we have had more than we deserve in terms of loyalty and service from Bedford's favourite son.