Paul Hartley believes Bristol City have what it takes to maintain their excellent start to the Coca-Cola Championship campaign when they return after the international break.

Bristol City signed off with a confidence-boosting 2-1 home win over Middlesbrough at Ashton Gate last week before taking a fortnight break from competitive action.

That victory not only moved the Robins up to fifth in the table, but also helped silence those who criticised the management and players in the wake of back-to-back defeats to Cardiff City and Carlisle United.

Booed off the pitch at the final whistle, City came under heavy fire from supporters and pundits alike following their embarrassing 2-0 Carling Cup exit at the hands of the League One Carlisle.

But victory over Gareth Southgate's previously unbeaten Boro represents the perfect response according to Hartley, pictured.

"It was important to bounce back with a good performance and a positive result after what happened in the previous game," argued the Scottish international midfielder, who is in Glasgow with the national squad preparing for Wednesday's crucial World Cup qualifier against Holland at Hampden Park.

"We were poor against Carlisle and the fans were right to have a go at us. In those situations, you have to show bottle and prove you are strong enough to come back. That's why the Middlesbrough game was so crucial."

Nicky Maynard's double strike helped City maintain their 100 per cent home record in the Championship and prove a point to their detractors.

Hartley added: "We showed a lot of character to come back like that and beat one of the best teams in the Championship.

"When you are criticised like we were, the only way to answer it is out on the pitch.

"We played well, but we also showed a lot of spirit and togetherness and those qualities are going to stand us in good stead over the rest of the season.

"If we continue to fight for one another like we did against Boro, there's no reason why we cannot maintain our good start."

Bristol City return to action when they travel to meet Coventry at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday, September 12. And Hartley believes he and his team-mates can pick up where they left off.

He said: "Beating a very good Middlesbrough side will give the boys a lot of confidence for when we play Coventry next Saturday.

"We know we have that level of performance in us and we know we can do well against the top clubs in this division.

"It was the best possible result for us before the break and we can't wait for the next game to come around."