VIKTOR'S POTTERS DREAM

Keeper Johansson targeting promotion but warns there's lots of hurdles for Stoke to overcome

- Peter Smith

VIKTOR Johansson says he can sense 'a completely different feeling' around Stoke City - and he is not shy of admitting he is targeting promotion.

Johansson was one of the standout goalkeepers in the Championship when Rotherham were relegated in 2024 and then one of the key reasons Stoke were able to stay in the division last season.

But the 27-year-old Sweden number one says confidence has been growing in the 10 months that Mark Robins has been in charge and he can see that spreading beyond the changing room walls.

Stoke sit third in the division after 15 games and players who had been through the challenges of last term are relishing such a contrasting adventure.

"It's great fun," said Johansson. "There's a completely different feeling about the club and the city. It's also a lot of fun that many players are still here from last year and are starting.