Bristol City boss Gary Johnson claims winning is the best means of restoring lost belief.

A record of one win in eight games has seen the Robins drop below halfway in the Coca-Cola Championship table and confidence has become an issue following defeats to Birmingham, Wolves and Sheffield United.

Manager Johnson admitted as much in the wake of last Saturday's 3-0 reverse at Bramall Lane and suggested there was much work to be done during the current two-week break for international matches.

City return to Championship action against Norwich tomorrow week knowing victory will go a long way towards reviving the feelgood factor which accompanied last season's march to the play-offs.

According to Johnson, there is no substitute for winning and the manager is challenging his players to put things right on the pitch.

He said: "Confidence only comes from winning games and we need to start winning again. That's what it's all about for players.

"This is our most difficult time in the Championship and we looked like we lacked a bit of confidence (against Sheffield United). The workrate was there until they scored the first goal, but then people lost a bit of confidence.

"There are lots of good teams in the Championship and we have to believe that we are a good Championship club.

"At the moment, we've got to get that belief back among the players and staff.

"Losing always stays in your mind a lot longer than when you win a game and it will be in my mind before we play Norwich.

"Wins will get that belief back. As a manager, you work with players every day and know them inside out. At the moment, there's a lack of confidence and we have to get it back."

Johnson has worked hard on the training ground with his players this week and declared himself satisfied with Wednesday's behind-closed-doors friendly against Swindon Town.

In the absence of a Championship programme tomorrow, the Londoner has given his senior players the weekend off.

He said: "They can go away and do their own thing, spend time with friends and family and relax.

"But when they come back into work on Monday morning, they have to start getting ready for Norwich. It will be a normal week and we will prepare in the usual way."

Meanwhile, City have agreed to extend Scott Murray's loan spell with Cheltenham Town.

The 34-year-old winger, who joined up with the League One outfit a fortnight ago, has been given permission to remain at Whaddon Road for a further two months.

But City have insisted upon a clause allowing them to recall the Scot at 24 hours notice.