GARY Johnson today rounded on Bristol City's critics by declaring "total belief" in his players.

City's manager and his team have come under fire in certain quarters in the wake of last Saturday's dismal 4-1 drubbing at the hands of high-flying Reading.

While most supporters remain loyal to Johnson, a small minority have questioned his team selection and singled out individual players for criticism.

But Johnson is backing his charges to prove their Coca-Cola Championship credentials in tomorrow's Sky-televised screen test against Southampton (5.20pm).

And the Londoner believes his current squad possesses the character required, not only to recover from heavy defeat, but also to establish the club among the play-off positions by Christmas.

"I know this group of lads and not one of them ever lets us down on purpose," declared Johnson. "There's not one person at this club who would let us down deliberately.

"They're all trying to give everything and that's why I get a little disappointed sometimes when supporters have a go.

"There are no cheats here and they're all trying very hard for this football club. I see that every day and, sometimes, I have to remind the public of that.

"There's a real sense of determination within the squad and I have total belief in my players to see the job through to the end."

Johnson delivered an emphatic riposte to those fans who criticise his team selection, insisting: "I pick the team every week and I always pick a team I think is going to win that particular game. That's what I've been doing and that's what I'll continue doing.

 

"Supporters always have their own particular favourites, but we know a lot more than they do. We see the players in training every day and we know who's not quite right, who's a bit under the weather and who's got a little niggle.

"We can't always make that public and that's why the fans have to trust the manager and see where the team ends up at the end of the season."

Johnson, pictured, agrees his players owe the supporters an improved performance following the Reading debacle and speaks openly of a collective will to make amends against Southampton.

He said: "It's not quite a seige mentality, but the boys are all in this together and they know they have to get out of this situation themselves.

"It's one thing saying they believe in themselves, but they have to actually feel it and that's why this next game is a big test of their character.

"They know they owe the fans one after the Reading game. We've all done these long away trips on a Friday and Saturday, we know what the traffic's like and how you're herded into the ground when you get there and again when you get out. All credit to any fan who travels to an away game. They are the stalwart supporters of the club and they deserve a good performance."

Johnson and his staff have worked the players hard in training this week and some have coped better than others.

"I want to see them at 100 per cent and the boys have worked very hard this week," confirmed Johnson. "It made some of them a bit ill to start with, but that's because they were giving me 100 per cent.

"I know I have players who can put in that effort, but I now need them to produce it on a Saturday to go with their ability and their quality. The team that plays on Saturday will be ready and raring to go."

Signed on loan from Southampton last month, Stern John is prevented from leading City's attack by the terms of his loan deal and Johnson is expected to recall Dele Adebola.

Nicky Maynard sustained an injury during Tuesday's reserve team game against Reading and fit-again Gavin Williams could return in his place if Johnson opts for a five-man midfield.

Defenders Louis Carey and Jamie McAllister and midfielder Cole Skuse are sidelined through injury, while centre-back Andy Webster is rated doubtful.