CHRIS WISE Jonatan Johansson is keeping an open mind on what the future holds as he prepares for one of the most important summers of his career.

CHRIS WISE

Jonatan Johansson is keeping an open mind on what the future holds as he prepares for one of the most important summers of his career.

The Charlton striker, who is nearing the end of a three-month loan spell at Carrow Road, knows he will almost certainly be looking for a new club at the end of the season after falling out of favour at The Valley.

Having scored three goals in 12 appearances for the Canaries there is a chance he will be offered a deal by manager Nigel Worthington, but he is taking nothing for granted on that front and is determined to keep his options open as he looks for a deal to take him well into his 30s.

"It's an important time for me," said the Finnish international, who has scored three goals in 12 appearances for City since his deadline busting move in January.

"It's a bit weird to be honest because it's the first time in my career that I can ever remember being in this position. You don't know whether you should go on holiday or hang around at home trying to sort out your future.

"I'm 30 now and it's probably the last big contract I will sign so I need to make sure I make the right decision. I should imagine I will stay in the UK, but I am not ruling anything out at this stage. I won't be going back to Finland, that's for sure, but my future could be abroad.

"I just want to make sure I join a club where I can enjoy my football for the next two or three years. I certainly don't want a repeat of this season at Charlton, because it has been very, very disappointing. I have enjoyed my time at Norwich a lot more, that's for sure."

Worthington wouldn't be drawn yesterday on whether Johansson had a future at Carrow Road - and the player was also refusing to rule anything in or out ahead of the final two matches of the season.

"Jonatan is out of contract at the end of the season," said Worthington. "When we have played our last game we'll look at it and see what we think from our end."

Johansson added: "The situation is the same as it has been since I arrived here. It's a case of playing the season to a finish and then seeing what happens then.

"It has been a good move for me. The lads have been great to me and I have really enjoyed my football here. I have scored a few goals and done okay, I feel."

The on-loan striker made his latest important contribution to the cause against QPR on Monday when he came off the bench to lay on a late equaliser for Robert Earnshaw. City went on to win the match 3-2 of course, with Earnshaw completing a double in the 90th minute, and having been on the pitch to witness the drama Johansson is now hoping for another chance to impress against Cardiff tomorrow.

"Obviously every player wants to play in every game, but that is not possible. It's down to the manager to decide on the starting eleven and I fully understand that," he said.

"Fingers crossed I will get a game, but that is obviously down to the manager. The most important thing is to come away with a positive result. We all know our away form has been very poor and this is the last opportunity we will have this season to get it right. Cardiff is never an easy place to go to but we will be looking for a win there which would set us up nicely for a grand finale against Wolves."

Johansson's time at Carrow Road has coincided with period of unrest amongst City fans - but he is still glad he made the decision to come to Carrow Road.

Referring to the tense atmosphere that was a feature of Monday's game against QPR he commented: "I think that sort of thing happens at all clubs from time to time. Of course it's disappointing but you just have to accept it and get on with your job.

"We reacted to it in a positive fashion by scoring those late goals - and maintaining our good run of home results. If that continues then hopefully the fans will be on our side.

"I can't remember being involved in a match like that before - it just goes to the show the belief and spirit that is present in the squad.

"It was a strange game but at least we kept fighting to the end and we got our reward. I was just pleased to play a part in it."