Johnson's praise for returning City stars

They were both singled out after City's 0-0 draw away to Burton Albion, which marked Djuric's first first-team appearance for three months because of a groin injury.

The Bosnian international was a second-half substitute at the Pirelli Stadium where he gave City a new dimension in attack.

Johnson told BCTV: "I’m pleased to have him back. He gives us a different option, a platform too play from which we didn’t do in the first half.

"I could only get a maximum half an hour out of him today but we have arranged a game on Tuesday that he can play in and get more minutes under his belt.

Eros Pisano made only his second appearance of the calendar year due to a hamstring injury, while young left-back Kelly caught the eye of both managers in the dugout on Saturday afternoon.

Johnson added: "Eros is coming back still and Kelly is a young player who we believe in for the long term and he showed that today.

"Nigel Clough came up to me and asked how old he is. He’s watching a young, Englishman with a lot of talent.

"We’re still nursing Eros through his injury a little bit but needs must. We don’t have anyone else in that position and Joe Bryan and Aden Flint are still suspended.

"This is difficult to take because we wanted to come here and win but it's important that we look at the positives at this stage. There will be a lot of topsy turvy results so we need to make sure we keep ourselves in a position to go again and try and go on a run."

BCTV EXCLUSIVES: JOHNSON AND KELLY REFLECT ON BURTON ALBION DRAW