Jamie McCombe is convinced Bristol City can use the FA Cup as a springboard from which to mount a promotion challenge in the spring.

Currently 12th in the Coca-Cola Championship and seven points behind sixth-placed Sheffield United, the Robins still harbour hopes of gatecrashing the end-of-season play-off party.

And defender McCombe believes fighting on two fronts will prove a blessing in disguise rather than a hindrance.

Confidence is running high in the Ashton Gate dressing room following Saturday's goalless draw against Cup holders Portsmouth at Fratton Park and McCombe argues a convincing performance in Tuesday's third round replay can help spark a revival in the league.

Victorious in their two previous Championship outings, against Watford and Crystal Palace, City bid to make it three in a row when they travel to Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.

McCombe insists the prospect of a second meeting with Pompey's Premier League stars will further City's cause.

He explained: "This season is different to the last two. We were near the top of League One two years ago and chasing promotion in the Championship this time last year, so the FA Cup was a bit of a distraction.

"But that's not the case this time. We're midway in the league and off the pace being set by the leaders. In that kind of situation, you want a good run in the FA Cup, because it can help kick-start your season."

While McCombe is keen to play down talk of an upset in the replay, he admits Saturday's performance at Fratton Park has served as a considerable morale boost.

He added: "Confidence was already high after winning our last two league games, but holding a Premier League side and earning a replay has given us all a major lift.

"The place is buzzing and our performances in the FA Cup can only boost confidence for the rest of the Championship campaign.

"We may be mid-table at the moment, but we believe in ourselves and know we can climb the table."