Fulham loaning U.S. striker Johnson to Cardiff

Eddie Johnson arrived at Craven Cottage last January with high hopes of becoming a regular, possibly even replacing Brian McBride as the fans' favorite American. Manager Roy Hodgson was excited, saying EJ would "add another dimension to our attacking play."

But things didn't work out, and now reports out of the U.K. claim the 23-year-old U.S. international -- who was in the squad for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier versus Guatemala, but didn't play -- will go on loan to Cardiff City. The deal reportedly is for one year, though Fulham have the option to bring the player back to London in January.

Attempts to reach Johnson's U.S.-based agent were not immediately successful.

Johnson joined Fulham for $3 million after three years with the Kansas City Wizards, for whom he scored 17 goals in 43 appearances. He made his name, however, with the national team, storming onto the scene during World Cup qualifying in 2004. He has 12 goals in 36 international apperances.

His stint at Craven Cottage never got off the ground. Battling several injuries, he made only six appearances last spring, none of them very convincing performances. For the Whites' opener last week against Hull City, EJ wasn't even on the substitutes bench.

The move to Championship side Cardiff, who seem to have a yearning for an American striker, having previously attempted to purchase FC Dallas striker Kenny Cooper, should help Johnson. His size (6-foot-1) and speed give him the ability to battle for balls in the air and get to balls chipped over the top. However, there are concerns about his tactical awareness, his determination, and his brittleness, as he has been hampered by injuries his entire career.

-- Goal.com