Christian Ribeiro's unscheduled return to Ashton Gate has served to put Bristol City's recent problems into perspective.

Recalled at short notice from Stockport County to provide defensive cover for tomorrow's FA Cup third-round tie against Cardiff, City's Wales Under-21 international was surprised to discover his team-mates in downbeat mood.

City's meagre return of one win in 10 games notwithstanding, Ribeiro believes manager Gary Johnson and his players have much to be thankful for.

Farmed out to Edgeley Park on loan six weeks ago, the Academy product found himself at the proverbial sharp end, turning out for a team in headlong decline at the foot of League One.

And having tasted defeat in each of the seven games he played for cash-strapped County, Ribeiro is in an ideal position to appreciate life in the Championship.

"Since coming back, I've noticed that everyone is feeling a little bit down," revealed Ribeiro.

"But having seen what it's like at the bottom of League One, I'm not sure what reason the lads here have for being down.

"There really is no need for them to feel down; they are all good players, they are in the Championship, have lots to play for and have a massive derby match against Cardiff to look forward to."

Referring to Monday's 2-2 draw with Watford, he added: "I know letting in a late goal was disappointing, but they were winning with a minute to go and are still in a decent position in the table.

"There isn't too much wrong here and, one win on Saturday can put things right very quickly. If you cannot get up for a big derby game like that, then you have to ask why you are in the game in the first place.

"Football changes really quickly and we might find that we score in the last minute and get the result in the next game."

The contrast between life at Ashton Gate and Edgeley Park is not lost on the young Welshman, who is expected to feature among the substitutes tomorrow.

He explained: "Unfortunately, Stockport are in quite a bit of financial trouble and the squad is very young.

"I played against the top three sides, a couple in the middle of the table and a couple of others near the bottom, and the outcome was always the same. We were competitive in all those games, but kept conceding goals late on and losing.

"Playing in the northern winter was something new for me and the stadiums in League One are nothing like those in the Championship. It was very hard up there."

Given that he was born in West Wales, Ribeiro has good reason for wanting to put one over on the Bluebirds.

He revealed: "Most of my family come from the Swansea area, so Cardiff are viewed as rivals. I know a couple of the Cardiff players, but that won't count for anything when the game starts.

"I know I'll probably be on the bench, but another injury could mean I get a chance. It's a great game to come back for but, if I don't get on and play a part, I know I'll still see a good contest."

Ribeiro rates Cardiff highly and insists: "They are a top side. I'm sure they'll be in the top six come the end of the season.

"They have some very good strikers and we'll have to watch out for (Peter) Whittingham, who has scored 10 or 100 goals from midfield this season."

Yet Ribeiro acknowledges now might be a good time to play the Bluebirds, who conceded a four-goal lead at basement club Peterborough last time out.

He said: "They may be vulnerable after what happened to them on Monday. To be four up and then let in four goals in the second half proves they are beatable.

"They've probably had a rollicking from the manager and will hopefully be on a downward ebb when they arrive here. Fingers crossed, we'll be up for it and get the right result."