Ipswich striker David Johnson is in danger of being backed into a corner over his international future.

The 13-goal Town hit-man is wanted by Wales boss Mark Hughes to lead his World Cup campaign - but has almost no chance of a call-up by any of the other three home nations.

Johnson - who has already represented England B and Jamaica at international level - has no chance of being included in Kevin Keegan's squad.

He finds himself way down the pecking order behind Premiership strikers Alan Shearer, Michael Owen, Kevin Phillips, Emile Heskey and Andy Cole.

And Scotland on Wednesday ruled out a recall for the troubled forward. He was in Craig Brown's squad for the Euro 2000 qualifier against England last month but was forced to withdraw in a row over his eligibility.

FIFA has since ruled the 23-year-old can play for any of the four home nations - irrespective of the gentleman's agreement between them which stops him playing for anyone but England or Jamaica.

But a spokesman for the Scottish FA said: "David Johnson will never appear in a Scotland shirt while the rules remain.

"It doesn't matter what FIFA say. There is an agreement between the home nations which prevents him from playing and we are not about to break it."

Northern Ireland boss Lawrie McMenemy is a Johnson admirer but he is thought to want to honour the home nations' agreement.

Johnson could return to Jamaica but he has been warned about returning to the country after gangsters branded him a "traitor". That leaves Wales as his only real option.

Manchester United defender Michael Clegg has turned down a loan move to Ipswich. The 22-year-old has been restricted to just a handful of appearances at Old Trafford since turning professional in July 1995.

Ipswich striker David Johnson

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