Returning to Palace after World Cup heartbreak 'a bit of fresh air' - Johnson
· Yahoo Sports
Crystal Palace's Brennan Johnson says returning to the club after missing out on qualification for this summer's World Cup with Wales over the international break has "felt like a bit of fresh air".
The 24-year-old missed his penalty as Craig Bellamy's side lost a shoot-out to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off semi-finals.
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"Of course everyone on the team was really upset," said Johnson.
"But coming back here, I had numerous messages from the fellas straight after the game and also the staff."
Palace return to action for the first time since 19 March when they host Fiorentina in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final on Thursday.
"It's felt like a bit of fresh air," Johnson added in the pre-match news conference.
"We've got some massive games to look forward to, so I think that's really helped in focusing on something else, and it's one we're all really excited for."
When asked about Palace being favourites to win the Conference League, Johnson, who signed from Europa League winners Tottenham in January, said: "Personally, I feel like I use that as confidence.
"When you get to the quarter-finals, semi-finals and you're up against amazing teams, use it as confidence as much as we can, but at the same time know these teams provide real quality as well."