Bristol City boss Johnson will keep players focused

Bristol City boss Gary Johnson insists his players will not be distracted by the lure of FA Cup glory.

The Championship club has been seized by Cup fever since Saturday's goalless draw at Portsmouth raised the mouthwatering prospect of a third round replay against the holders on home soil.

Pompey come to town next Tuesday and eager City fans are expected to pack Ashton Gate to the rafters in the hope of witnessing an upset.

But City must first travel to Doncaster Rovers for a Coca-Cola Championship fixture which could prove pivotal in their quest to launch a belated push for the end-of-season play-offs.

Up to halfway in the table and victorious in their last two league outings, the Robins have set their sights on putting together the kind of long unbeaten run which established them among the frontrunners for automatic promotion 12 months ago.

And manager Johnson is adamant the FA Cup will not deflect his charges from the task in hand.

He said: "I don't see there being a problem. We've had a word with the lads and they realise where their priorities lie.

"They were back in training yesterday and the focus was well and truly on playing Doncaster this Saturday.

"Of course the FA Cup is exciting and glamorous and we're all looking forward to taking on a Premier League side at Ashton Gate next week.

"But we can't afford to think about that until after we've played Doncaster. We've won our last two games in the Championship and now want to make it three on the bounce. It's about being consistent and putting together an unbeaten run."

Meanwhile, City left-back Jamie McAllister is set to continue his comeback from injury in today's reserve team Combination fixture against Swindon Town at Ashton Gate.

Sidelined throughout the Christmas period by a foot injury, the Scot announced his return to action as a second-half substitute at Fratton Park on Saturday. He is expected to start against Swindon in a bid to prove his fitness ahead of Saturday's trip to Doncaster.

Johnson confirmed: "Jamie needs games and will definitely play in the reserve game. He's over his injury and now needs to get match-fit."

Senior players David Noble, Gavin Williams, John Akinde and Scott Murray are all expected to feature, while Brian Wilson could play a part providing he recovers from the shin splint problem which ruled him out of the Portsmouth game.

But new signing Peter Styvar will not be involved. Johnson explained: "He had 83 minutes on Saturday and we'll keep him back for the weekend."

Originally scheduled for a 7pm kick-off, today's Combination clash has been brought forward to 2pm to avoid the worst of the weather.