Bristol City boss Gary Johnson will put his faith in tried and trusted options between now and the end of the season.

Given that a play-off push and a protracted fight against relegation remain equally likely scenarios at this point in time, the manager is in no position to experiment or blood youngsters.

With that in mind, he has farmed out many of the club's up-and-coming players to lower league clubs and recalled experienced Championship campaigner Lee Johnson.

And Johnson junior, who spent a successful month on loan at Derby County in January, is back at Ashton Gate for the foreseeable future.

Despite sources in the Midlands taking a contrary line and predicting an extended stay at Pride Park for the diminutive midfielder, City's manager insisted: "It was only ever going to be for a month.

"Lee was in a position where he needed to get games under his belt and he played more than we expected him to.

"But he is back here now and there is no question of him going out on loan anywhere else.

"We need as many experienced players as we can get at the moment and that's why we've brought in Patrick Agyemang and Jamal Campbell-Ryce. They are players who know the Championship inside out and Lee is another of those.

"We've decided to go with those who know the league and that is why Lee is back with us. With games coming thick and fast, we need everyone to be fit and firing and it's good that Lee has returned knowing he has 90 minutes in him."

Former Yeovil star Johnson has been targeted, often unfairly, by a small minority of City fans this season and his short-term move to Derby probably came at a good time for him.

Restored physically and refreshed mentally, the 28-year-old play-maker is now ready to play a prominent part in the business end of City's season.

"He has come back in fine fettle and, hopefully, the time he spent away has helped him mentally," said Johnson senior.

"People all have their favourite players and others they don't like so much and it has been difficult for Lee. They have to make their own minds up, but I believe it is important they support the whole group from here-on in."

Johnson has been criticised in some quarters for loaning the club's brightest Academy products to League One and Two sides rather than giving them an opportunity to establish themselves in the Championship.

But Johnson makes no apologies and insisted: "I have to go with those players I think can do a job at this level. It's all about picking players you feel can win you a particular game.

"These are not the games in which to try out young lads if they are not quite ready. That can do them more harm than good if things don't go right on the pitch. I've learned over the years that putting them in too soon can set them back a long way.

"If people care to check, they will see that I've given many, many lads their league debuts. I'm still happy to do that, but only when I think it is the right time."

Talented striker John Akinde and highly-rated defender Christian Ribeiro have already featured in City's first-team squad, but are currently on loan at League One Brentford and Colchester United respectively.

Fellow Academy products Frankie Artus, Tristan Plummer and Marlon Jackson are also out on loan and Johnson said: "They are all getting the regular games at a decent level, and that is something they were not getting here.

"It's difficult for young lads when you don't play a reserve game for weeks on end. It's not the same as competitive football.

"That's something they get when they go on loan and they benefit from the experience of playing first-team football."