BRISTOL City boss Gary Johnson is confident star midfielder Marvin Elliott has put his injury problems behind him.

City's young player of the year announced his comeback in Tuesday's reserve fixture against Bournemouth at Ashton Gate following six weeks spent on the sidelines.

He played for 75 minutes and reported no ill effects, confirming his recovery from the chronic knee problem that had troubled him for several months.

And the 23-year-old Londoner was expected to travel to Cardiff with the first team squad for today's Coca-Cola Championship derby at Ninian Park.

Elliott attempted to play through the pain as City chased promotion to the Premier League during the second half of last season, but he was finally forced to admit defeat when breaking down during pre-season.

And Johnson believes a long period of enforced rest has had the desired effect.

He said: "We're confident we've got to the root of the problem and Marvin will be okay from here-on in.

"It was a recurring problem and that's why we had to leave him out for a little bit longer this time. He's had four or five weeks without playing and it's definitely done the trick.

"Because of the situation we found ourselves in last season, he played when less than fully fit. We knew that couldn't go on and we've now given him the time he needed.

"It was a problem with the tendon in the front of his knee and we're happy that it's all been sorted out now."

Elliott returned to training a fortnight ago and Johnson revealed: "He's trained hard and he's played a practice match and a reserve team game without any problems.

"He's backed himself and he's ready now. When he's match sharp, Marvin will push for a starting place."

But Elliott cannot expect to return immediately. Academy product Cole Skuse has taken his place alongside Lee Johnson in the centre of midfield and has contributed impressively to City's four-match unbeaten start to the Championship campaign.

City's manager acknowledged as much when he said: "Skuse has come in and done a decent job. Marvin is one of those players who now has to try and fight his way back in."

Out of action since breaking down in a pre-season friendly at Cheltenham in July, Elliott is delighted to be back playing again.

He admitted: "Sitting on the sidelines and watching the lads play was really hard. I'm not a good watcher.

"But things are beginning to move for me now, and the important thing was I got minutes under my belt against Bournemouth.

"The knee is fine now and I feel ready to play (in the first team) now, but that decision will be up to the manager."