BRISTOL City star Lee Johnson today revealed how his family gave him the strength to defy the terrace boo boys.

The 27-year-old midfielder has been targeted by a section of supporters, who feel he owes his place in the team to being manager Gary Johnson's son.

An already difficult season reached a nadir when some of the Ashton Gate crowd cheered the decision to substitute the former Yeovil playmaker during last week's 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Reading.

One of City's most consistent performers over the past two years, Johnson's form has clearly been affected by the criticism. But he answered his detractors in style when scoring a superb goal to help City beat Southampton 1-0 in Saturday's Championship clash at St Mary's.

And Johnson jnr, who became a father for the first time five months ago, afterwards spoke of how his wife, Nicola, helped keep him strong during the difficult times.

He said: "Having a baby can be the best thing in the world, but at times it isn't easy. I'm very fortunate in that I have a good wife at home who is strong and who looks after things.

"You need that when things become difficult. I'm always striving to do the best I can for the club, but it's not easy playing for your dad.

"There are times when you get stick and the reaction I had last week wasn't nice. You give 100 per cent every game and what happened against Reading hurt me.

"Fair enough, I had a bad game, but then so did eight or nine others.

"It's difficult, but you have to accept it (criticism) and try not to let it get you down. The important thing is that the lads have shown they have great spirit and can bounce back."

Johnson's first goal in 15 months not only helped move City to within a point of the play-off positions, but also served to lift a weight from the player's shoulders.

And he revealed how his father's advice helped him end a goal-scoring drought which extended back to the opening game of last season.

"My old man told me to try and pass the ball into the net in those situations rather than just blasting it," said Johnson.

"That was in my mind when I took the shot. It was a great feeling when it went in and the fans behind the goal were brilliant. There were probably thousands more watching back in Bristol and I'm delighted for them."

City manager Gary Johnson is hoping Lee's critics have been silenced.

He said: "I was pleased with Lee, because his mind could have been all over the place. We're trying to keep it professional and I think the monkey came off his back with his performance and goal.

"He shouldn't be thinking about it (criticism) and nor should I. It's not fair that it's gone on this long. They (supporters) should just accept the team I pick and, if they want to judge us, then see where we are at the end of the season and do it then.

"I always pick the team I think can win the game and, if someone is playing better than someone else, then of course I look at that. But I decided to go with the group of lads who have been most consistent for us over the past couple of year and they gave me the response I was looking for."