Johnson has played a key role in the heart of Cardiff's defence

Roger Johnson believes Cardiff City are the Championship's "dark horses" for an automatic promotion spot.

The Bluebirds climbed to fourth in the table following Tuesday's 2-0 win at Coventry and closed the gap on the top two to nine points with a game in hand.

Promotion-chasing Cardiff are now unbeaten in the league in 10 games.

"We are a side to beat at the moment," said Johnson. "We are dark horses, no-one is talking about us and that's good, I like it like that."

He added: "We will be in there amongst it at the end of the season.

"We can't be far off having the best defence in the league and we are scoring as well."

Cardiff have been in a similar position in recent seasons before tailing away at the end.

However, this season they are showing signs that they have what it takes to keep going this time.

And with leaders Wolves appearing to falter and Birmingham lacking consistency, Johnson's claims could come to fruition.

"We are really performing at the moment," the defender added.

"Barring the first 10 minutes (against Coventry) the first half was some of the best football we have played all season."

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