GARY Johnson insists a high-profile FA Cup showdown against holders Portsmouth can turn Bristol City’s season around.

Languishing in the bottom half of the Coca-Cola Championship, the Robins face a welcome diversion when they meet Pompey in the third round of the world’s most famous domestic knockout competition on Saturday, January 3.

City can expect to take a full quota of fans to the south coast for a game manager Johnson describes as a “fantastic opportunity” to cause an upset.

“It’s a great draw for us,” said Johnson, who watched on television as Pompey and City were the first two names drawn out by former England stars Trevor Brooking and Ray Clemence.

“It doesn’t get much bigger than playing the holders in the third round and its tie to really look forward to. There will be a lot of interest in this one.

“In fact, it’s the sort of game and challenge which could help turn our season around. Results have not gone quite as we want in the Championship and a draw like this will give everyone a lift.

“It’s an ideal pick-up for us. I’m excited, the players are excited and I’m sure our supporters will be excited. It gives us all something to talk about and focus on in the coming weeks. Our lads will all want to be involved in something like this.”

Johnson is determined to go one better than Championship rivals Cardiff City, who lost 1-0 to Pompey in the final at Wembley last May.

He said: “We have nothing to fear. As holders, all the pressure will be on Portsmouth and we have to go there believing we can win the game.

“They’re the FA Cup holders and no-one will expect us to win. It’s a fantastic opportunity to test ourselves against an established Premiership team. It’s 11 versus 11 on the day and anything can happen.”

Harry Redknapp guided Pompey to glory last season, but has since left to take over at Tottenham. Tony Adams is now in charge at Fratton Park and Johnson is looking forward to pitting his wits against the former Arsenal and England captain.

He revealed: “I know Tony very well, having been on the UEFA pro-licence coaching course with him last year. He had a great playing career and is now looking to make a name for himself as a manager. He is someone I have huge respect for.

“He was always very committed as a player and I’m sure he will model his team in his own image. It will be a very tough game for us.

“Portsmouth fans always make a great atmosphere at Fratton Park and this is a game worthy of television coverage.”

Eliminated by Middlesbrough in the past two seasons, City are setting their sights on taking a first Premier League scalp since Russell Osman’s team beat Liverpool in a third round replay at Anfield in January 1994.

“It’s a big challenge for us,” declared Johnson, who presided over a shock third round replay victory at the expense of Coventry at the Ricoh Arena two seasons ago.

“We gave Boro a run for their money on both occasions, but we still haven’t quite managed to put out a Premier League side. That has to be our aim this time.”

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