Bristol City boss Gary Johnson insists the FA Cup is coming around at just the right time for his players. Severnside rivals Cardiff City visit Ashton Gate in what promises to be a passionate third round tie tomorrow and Johnson is looking forward to taking a break from the rigours of the Coca-Cola Championship campaign. Under pressure following a meagre return of one win in their last 10 outings, City will benefit from contesting a game in which no league points are at stake. "The FA Cup involves a different mentality and this is a good game for us to have at the moment," admitted Johnson.
Bristol Evening Post
Christian Ribeiro's unscheduled return to Ashton Gate has served to put Bristol City's recent problems into perspective. Recalled at short notice from Stockport County to provide defensive cover for tomorrow's FA Cup third-round tie against Cardiff, City's Wales Under-21 international was surprised to discover his team-mates in downbeat mood. City's meagre return of one win in 10 games notwithstanding, Ribeiro believes manager Gary Johnson and his players have much to be thankful for. Farmed out to Edgeley Park on loan six weeks ago, the Academy product found himself at the proverbial sharp end, turning out for a team in headlong decline at the foot of League One. And having tasted defeat in each of the seven games he played for cash-strapped County, Ribeiro is in an ideal position to appreciate life in the Championship. "Since coming back, I've noticed that everyone is feeling a little bit down," revealed Ribeiro. "But having seen what it's like at the bottom of League One, I'm not sure what reason the lads here have for being down."
Bristol Evening Post
Lee Trundle's Bristol City career is over after the Robins and Swansea City agreed to extend the striker's loan at the Liberty Stadium until the end of the season. Trundle's contract with City runs out in the summer. He has scored five times in 10 appearances for the Swans this term.
Bristol Evening Post
One word loomed large at the Cardiff City press conference held yesterday to discuss the FA Cup third-round trip to Bristol City... Peterborough. And it's a word that will continue to send shivers down City spines if the Bluebirds do not push for the Premier League in the second half of the season. One point from a possible 12 against teams that are or were in the bottom four - Ipswich, Sheffield Wednesday, Plymouth and Peterborough - does not make good reading. But the Peterborough pantomime show was something else.
Wales Online
Bluebirds defender Anthony Gerrard admits he is looking forward to starting his FA Cup in January. After a dreadful Christmas programme when City stumbled against struggling Plymouth and Peterborough, Gerrard is hoping for a cracking start to the new year at Bristol City tomorrow (12.30pm). "I'm normally beginning the FA Cup run from the very start, so entering at the third-round stage is a bit of luxury for me," smiled the former Walsall defender. "Like all the teams in this round, we'll be hoping for a good performance and then hopefully get one of the big boys next round."
Wales Online
Cardiff face a midfield reshuffle for Saturday's FA Cup tie at Bristol City (kick-off 12.30pm) with Gavin Rae ruled out for up to four weeks. Rae broke two bones in his hand during Monday's astonishing 4-4 draw at Peterborough in which the Bluebirds threw away a 4-0 half-time lead. His absence leaves manager Dave Jones short of options in central midfield with Stephen McPhail still sidelined and Riccy Scimeca having retired while Joe Ledley is constantly playing through the pain barrier as he battles his hip injury.
Teamtalk
Millwall are set to sell star keeper David Forde with Sheffield United and Bristol City interested. Forde,30, is out of contract at The New Den next summer.
Mirror
