BRISTOL City new-boy Gavin Williams is ready to silence his critics once and for all.

So says Robins manager Gary Johnson, who paid in the region of £300,000 to bring the 28-year-old midfielder from Ipswich Town to Ashton Gate in the summer.

Some City fans have been prepared to question the wisdom of that transaction, given the time Williams has taken to settle in his new surroundings.

Yet Johnson reckons supporters have yet to see the best of Williams and insists the Welsh international is now coming good at just the right time.

Restricted to just three starts during the opening two months of the campaign, the former Yeovil and West Ham star has had to work long and hard to regain full match fitness after missing much of last season through injury.

But he made a successful return to City's Coca-Cola Championship side when starting last Saturday's home game against Norwich and then played a starring role in Tuesday's outstanding 2-0 triumph at Charlton Athletic.

Not only did Williams score his first goal for the club, he also lasted 84 minutes before making way for substitute Ivan Sproule.

"I thought Gavin had a great game at Charlton," declared Johnson, who paid £25,000 to take the skilful midfielder from Hereford United to Yeovil seven years ago.

"There was an element of luck about his goal, but it was still a good goal because he had to work very hard to get there.

"I think he showed people what he can do and how good he can be when he's on song.

"He's been a little bit nervous because people haven't quite seen his ability so far. He's been trying to get his Bristol City fitness and it's taken him time.

"But he's getting there and, each time he plays, he's doing a little bit more. He had a good game and was a major part of our win on Tuesday.

"If he stays fit and keeps his place in the team, the supporters will very quickly see what Gavin Williams is all about."

Meanwhile, Johnson is suggesting Brian Wilson is in line for a first team recall when fourth-placed City again take to the road to face Barnsley at Oakwell on Saturday.

Bradley Orr is forced to sit out the game after incurring his fifth yellow card this season in Saturday's 1-0 win over Norwich at Ashton Gate.

That means Mancunian Wilson, relegated to the substitutes' bench since the 3-0 defeat at Sheffield United earlier this month, has an opportunity to fgeature in his favoured right-back berth.

"It's always disappointing when you lose anyone to suspension, but Brian Wilson is on top of his game and can play there," said Johnson.

"He feels that's his best position and he gives us an option which we're happy with. We'll have a look at it before making a decision."

Cole Skuse has played at right back previously this season, but has played only one reserve team game since suffering bruised ribs in the 2-2 draw with Plymouth Argyle on September 30.

Midfielder David Noble is back in training after recovering from a slight groin strain, but centre-back and captain Louis Carey is still receiving treatment for the toe injury which has kept him out of the last two games.

Jamie McCombe and Liam Fontaine appear certain to continue their partnership when Bristol City seek to keep a third consecutive clean sheet at Barnsley.