Liverpool and England full-back Glen Johnson has hit out the critics who question his defensive capabilities.
The full-back has seen his defensive nous put under the spotlight for several years, with sceptics claiming defending is not the strongest part of his game.
However, Johnson has laughed off the suggestions and feels he has proved his critics wrong by performing well for club and country.
"It's annoying but now I just find it funny when people say I can't defend because I've proved over the years I can," said Johnson.
"I think it just gives people a talking point. They've got to be critical about everybody. That's just a way of life nowadays.
"But I wouldn't be where I am today if I couldn't defend. I don't know what games they [the critics] have been watching over the years.
"If I couldn't defend I wouldn't be playing for Liverpool and I wouldn't be playing for England.
"I just ignore it when people say that. It's just opinions and the only opinions that matter to me are the club manager and the national manager."
Johnson added: "I've said since I broke into the West Ham team that I'm confident in my ability. I know I can defend and attack.
"But I wouldn't be where I am today if I couldn't defend. I don't know what games they [the critics] have been watching over the years."
Johnson has been used at left-back by Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers predominantly this season rather than his natural right-back spot and the 28-year-old insists he is happy to play anywhere.
"I've been playing on the left all season for Liverpool. But I don't mind either. I'm happy at left or right-back," added Johnson.
