The light-heavyweight is determined to finish his year – which has been blighted by injury – on a high.

After suffering a broken leg and a niggling wrist complaint, the season has been stop-start for the Benington boxer.

But now he hopes all that will change.

"Medalling at the European championships would be massive for me," he said.

"Some experts reckon its just as tough as getting a medal at the Olympics, but I'm feeling good and can't wait to get started."

Johnson, 23, weighed in yesterday, with his first contest expected to take place tomorrow.

To reach the final in the Euros would mean having to win four or five bouts, but Johnson, who will represent Scotland, is in confident mood.

He added: "I've been at a Great Britain training camp with lads from England, Scotland, Sweden, France and Ireland.

"It's been tough, but good for me. I feel I'm going into this tournament with the best preparations I've ever had."

European competitions have not always been Johnson's favourite bouts, often complaining of overseas judges favouring the home-town fighters.

But with the Continent's top officials on hand, Johnson feels he will now be able to show off his ability.

Tony Jeffries – the GB bronze medallist in Beijing – and Ireland's Kenny Egan will both be missing from the event.

"I wouldn't take anything away from what they've achieved this year because it would be disrespectful," Johnson added.

"But I would have liked to fight one of them because I reckon on my day I could beat them."