LONDON -- Fulham signed forward Eddie Johnson on Wednesday, making him the fifth American at the Premier League club.

The 23-year-old Johnson signed the 3½-year contract after he was granted a work permit to play in England. No financial terms were given.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson said the Kansas City Wizards star would help fill the gap left by injured American Brian McBride.

McBride dislocated his left kneecap last Aug. 18 while scoring in a 2-1 Premier League loss to Middlesbrough. He recently returned to training, but there's no date set for his return.

"At 6-foot-1 inches tall Eddie has the presence that will complement the other forwards within our squad," Hodgson said. "And he has the ability to offer us another dimension to our attacking play."

Fulham is struggling in the relegation zone at 19th place in the 20-team Premier League. The team also has American goalkeeper Kasey Keller, defender Carlos Bocanegra and forward Clint Dempsey on its roster.

Johnson has played 31 times for the United States and scored 11 goals.