Paul Hartley has won two Scottish Premier League titles, two SFA Cups, a League Cup and a Division One medal.

So losing 6-0 at home to a local rival was not a familiar experience for the Bristol City midfielder.

City's capitulation to Cardiff City last week still lingers in the memory for the former Hibs, Hearts and Celtic man.

"It was the worst defeat I have suffered and it wasn't nice, but you have always got the next game to make amends," he said.

"It was hard to take. Coming into the dressing room was difficult, but that is the way football is.

"Cardiff took their chances very well, but you just have to forget about it."

Hartley admits the Robins let the manager and their supporters down on that terrible Tuesday night at Ashton Gate.

And he concedes that they needed to show how much they cared when they went to Middlesbrough four days later to claim a hard-fought 0-0 draw.

"It was very important we gave a response after the game against Cardiff. It was a good reaction," he said.

"I don't think it was big pressure. He wanted a reaction from the players to show that we cared and we did that. It was nice that we kept a clean sheet.

"We have got a fairly young squad and the manager said he wanted his experienced players to lead the way and lead the younger players on.

"When you have a 6-0 defeat, it is important you react well.

"We let the fans down in the Cardiff game. They always come out in good numbers and hopefully they will back us on Saturday."

City play at home for the first time since the Cardiff game when Coventry visit BS3 tomorrow.

"This is the business end of the season and we have to get as many points as we can to stay in touch. They are all big games now. We are only five points off the play-offs and it is important that we have a good result on Saturday," said Hartley

"It is another tough game but we want to make sure we put on another good performance and get a good result.

"There is still a long way to go and we still believe we can get in the play-offs.

"All you need is to go on a good run and that is possible when you string a few results together."

Hartley is hoping fellow central midfielder Cole Skuse is fit to face the Sky Blues.

The Bristolian had to be replaced at half-time at the Riverside after straining a stomach muscle.

Bristol City's Marvin Elliott, who came on for Skuse, stands by to fill in if required. "We have a strong midfield," said Hartley. "That is probably the strongest part of our squad. There is plenty of competition for places.

"Skusie is very talented. I didn't know too much about him when I came to the club.

"But he has got two good feet and big things are expected of him.

"He can only improve because he is willing to learn and get better."