Teenage keeper gets Johnson vote

Wildsmith, 19, yet to make a senior appearance for parent club Sheffield Wednesday, has been drafted in on loan transfer deadline day as a replacement for the injured Adam Davies.

"We've brought young Joe in because Adam has got a slight abductor tear, which is not ideal but we can't risk it getting any worse," said Johnson, whose side will bid to extend their unbeaten run to nine matches in pursuit of a top-six finish.

"But it's a good signing for us. He's got a really good reputation. (Goalkeeper coach) Mark Crossley has worked with him at close hand coming from Wednesday and it's a real good chance for him to show what he's about."

Johnson confirmed England Under-20 international Wildsmith, who signed a two-and-a-half-year professional deal with Wednesday in November 2013, will start at Ashton Gate.

"It looks like it because we haven't got much else," Johnson added. "We've got the young boys, but we contemplated registering Mark Crossley.

"(Christian) Dibble is on international duty, our number one (Ross Turnbull) is out for the season and obviously Davies is out for a couple of weeks.

"It's a big ask, but there's no better time to go and show what you're about at the league leaders at the business end of the season.

"But young players need a chance and he's one who we believe deserves his chance.

"You're looking at 15,000-plus at Bristol City, 15,000 here against Sheffield United and then a tough game at Colchester - it's a good time for him to come in.

"This is when you see whether young players have got the minerals or not."