Johnson prepared for tough, aggressive derby

He continued: "It’s a difficult game but I don’t think the atmosphere will not be too intimidating because it’s a big stadium which, surprisingly, has had a few empty seats, despite their unbelievable season. That’s where it's been a good part for Bristol City this year [the large crowd following], the way the fans have shown how much they enjoy the way the lads have played and we hope to continue that mould and get a good win at Cardiff.

"You have to be ready for the battle, whatever your game is. I wasn’t a massive tackler, but I took a lot of responsibility to get the team ticking.

"Whatever your individual attributes are, the reason you are picked to play is because you can bring the best of it [your quality] out in that environment, particularly a derby environment because it means so much to the fans and it means so much to me as well."

PRAISE FOR REID

In his first season as a converted striker, Bobby Reid leads City's goal stats, having netted 16 times in the campaign. He will be looking to make it 17, or more, on Sunday.

Johnson said: "I’m delighted for him, yes. It’s funny how we pigeon-hole players in the fact we took an educated-punt in moving Bobby’s position and he’s taken to it so well. It’s great to see him up there with the top scorers in the division."

City head into Sunday's Severnside derby off the back off three consecutive draws, the latest being an impressive display against an in-form Fulham side.

The Robins will be hoping to emulate their 2-1 home win from November, when Callum O'Dowda and Aden Flint were on target to defeat the Bluebirds.

EXCLUSIVE: SKIPPER WRIGHT PREVIEWS THE SEVERNSIDE DERBY