'US Players fighting for respect in EPL'

London: Fulham forward Eddie Johnson says American players are still struggling to be respected in the English Premier League.

Since joining Fulham in January 2008, Johnson has spent time on loan at second-tier club Cardiff and Greek side Aris.

Johnson says Fulham "took a chance" by signing him and accepts he must finally start delivering on the pitch, although he is yet to appear this season.

Johnson says that "being an American it's tough to come over here and do well in such a big league where American players are still fighting for respect."

Fellow US international Clint Dempsey has become one of Fulham's star performers, however.

Johnson says that "it was tough for Clint ... he had to fight his way into the team."