Bristol City boss Gary Johnson is adamant that he and his players are looking forward to returning to the scene of their 6-0 hammering by Cardiff.

The manager admitted Bristol City's worst home defeat since 1923 – when Derby County won 8-0 at Ashton Gate – means they will have to win back the support of many fans.

But, 11 days later, Johnson insisted his men will be up for the challenge when Coventry City visit south Bristol tomorrow.

City stopped the rot with a 0-0 draw at Middlesbrough last Saturday, but Johnson knows there is plenty of work to do.

"You have some fans who will support you through thick and thin, and we appreciate them, and they have made themselves heard in the last few days," he said.

"We have the ones we have lost a bit because of the very bad result and then there are some who you won't win over whatever we do.

"I am looking forward to Saturday, I really am, and the lads are as well because they are saying it wasn't a game when they meant to be non-committed.

"You always look non-committed when you are letting in goals every three minutes, but the lads never mean to do that."

Johnson is making no promises about the future. He knows another bad result cannot be ruled out.

"We have had a chat and we have to make a big effort now until the end of the season," he said.

"There may be another bad game in us but this is an important game for us, as our next game at home after the Cardiff game."

Johnson said he was delighted with the attitude shown by his squad ever since the Cardiff debacle.

"We have to build on the Middlesbrough game," he said. "I was pleased with the attitude at Middlesbrough but, to be honest, I have been pleased with their attitude following the Cardiff game.

"They have all felt very down about that game, but we have had to pick them up. It did hurt them."

The game will also be a learning experience for Coventry, as it is their first outing since their top scorer, Leon Best, joined Newcastle.

"It might be a good time to play them. Who knows?" said Johnson.

"It gives somebody else the opportunity to play who didn't have it before.

"They are not on a rich vein of form, so they are not messing up a winning formula."

One player who will be on show is former City winger Michael McIndoe, who left Ashton Gate last summer after two seasons with the Robins.

"It didn't work out in his last season here and it was the right time to move on," said Johnson.

"Whenever ex-players come back some fans see them and remember the good memories and others don't."

City will give late fitness tests to midfielders Cole Skuse (stomach) and Jamal Campbell-Ryce (dead leg). Marvin Elliott and Evander Sno stand by, while Lee Johnson is back in the squad after returning from his loan at Derby.

City's twice-postponed trip to Crystal Palace has now been re-arranged for Tuesday, March 9 (7.45pm).