Newcastle Vipers forward Shaun Johnson has said he is happy that they go into the Elite League Final Four play-off weekend as "underdogs".

Vipers kept their season alive after beating Belfast on penalty shots at the weekend after a 6-6 aggregate score.

Johnson, who is retiring after this season, said: "I've had a great few years at Newcastle, and to top it off with a play-off appearance is great.

"It will be even better to be winning come this time next Sunday."

Johnson, 35, was part of the 2006 play-off winning side and admitted he can see a similar team spirit within the current squad.

I suppose we'll go in as underdogs, but that suits us just fine Newcastle Vipers forward Shaun Johnson

"Everyone in the room is reading from the same page, sticking to the plans and so far it's paid off. We're in the final four and two wins away from another Championship," he said.

"There are a lot of parallels between this team and the Vipers who won the playoffs in 2006.

"All the players are incredibly determined to win and we seem to have stepped up a gear in the last couple of weeks when it has really mattered.

"I suppose we'll go in as underdogs, but that suits us just fine."