Johnson has already scored 15 goals for Crystal Palace this season and was given his just rewards when he was handed a call-up to the senior squad by Sven-Goran Eriksson.

And despite facing stiff competition from Michael Owen, Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney, the prolific forward is ready to transform his goalscoring feats onto the international stage.

"It's like joining a new team," said Johnson. "The way I've been welcomed by the team and Mr Eriksson is just a fantastic feeling.

"It's always a kid's dream and it was definitely my dream. To be happening now, it's just like a dream come true and I'm absolutely buzzing to be here amongst the top players in the world.

"When I got the call up on Saturday I couldn't stop thinking about it - you don't know what to expect," added the 23-year-old.

"Playing with world classplayers, it's a pleasure to be here, it's an honour to be here training.

"If I get ten minutes or half an hour I'll just be pleased to get on the pitch and I'll do my best in that short space of time. I don't want to let it pass me by, and I just want to take it all in.

"It's hard as there is a lot of strikers here who are like myself. Wayne Rooney's small, and Michael Owen, and Defoe, we're all similar sorts of players, all pacey. It's going to be tough but it's part of the game and it's a new challenge for me.

"I would love to play in the World Cup next year and it's a massive challenge for me, just like it is to keep Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

"I've got two challenges on my hands. Once you come in and get a taste of it you want more."