Bristol City midfielder Lee Johnson believes the side could still be in contention for promotion after their 1-0 win over Reading on Tuesday night.

It was City's first home win of the season and still leaves them at the foot of the Championship.

But there is barely a quarter of the season gone and City are only nine points adrift of the play-off places.

"Personally speaking, we should still be pushing for the play-offs," Johnson told BBC Points West.

"It might be a bit late now but we've certainly got the squad to do that."

City's first step is to try and climb out of the relegation zone - and that task will not get any easier when they host table-topping QPR at Ashton Gate this Friday night.

But, as Johnson admits, their second league win of the season has at least given them some forward momentum.

"It's only one win," he said. "But it's a big win.

"It's got the crowd back behind us and hopefully we can go from strength to strength.

"They've been great this season, even when we've been losing, but they knew how important it was to beat Reading and were like a 12th man."

I just wanted to prove I was worth keeping the shirt again. Lee Johnson

It was the first start for the 29-year-old since his father, former City boss Gary Johnson, left the club in April.

"It's been difficult for me and I've been a bit frustrated with the side not doing well and still not getting in," said Johnson.

"But I'm a professional and I just had to keep working hard to make sure that when my chance does come I take it."

"I just wanted to prove I was worth keeping the shirt again."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version