Johnson, 28, who was sacked by Premier League club Sunderland in February, was convicted earlier this month of sexual activity with a child, having already admitted kissing and grooming the teenager.

According to reports from Daily Star, the convicted footballer only wants his one year old daughter Ayla to visit him in jail.

The report states that the 28-year-old believes that seeing his daughter is what will 'keep him going' while he is in prison.

Johnson is reportedly pleading with his ex-girlfriend Stacey Flaunders to regularly bring bring Ayla to Armley Prison in Leeds, West Yorks.

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Johnson has begun an appeal against his conviction, Sky Sports have also reported.

He has lodged an appeal against conviction and the case will be sent to a higher court in London for consideration.