27 Feb 2007

Gary Johnson admits "it would be a very proud moment" to lead Bristol City out in the final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at the Millennium Stadium.

The Robins take on city rivals Rovers in first leg of the the Southern Area final at Ashton Gate on Wednesday, with the return to be played at the Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, February 27.

Manager Johnson told PA Sport: "It is unbelievably exciting to even think about leading the team out in a major final at the Millennium Stadium. It would be a very proud moment and we are going to give everything to try and make that the case.

"You've got to perform in derby games, you can't let it pass you by."

You've got to affect the game and we have some players doing that at the moment but if we can get several players doing it then we will have a great chance.

"Unlike our other cup games this season against Coventry and Middlesbrough in the FA Cup, we will be the favourites and that brings a new kind of pressure. But league positions mean little in these kind of games."

"The prize at the end is massive and it is not just about beating Rovers - which I know that fans want more than anything and it would be nice - it is about getting to the Millennium Stadium and playing in the final."

"Hopefully the fans will get behind the players right from the start and keep it up right until the end because the end of the first game is not the end of the tie. The fans have been fantastic this season and we want to give them a team to be proud of."

Rovers manager Paul Trollope believes success in the trophy would be a "nice reward" for the progress the club has made this season.

He told PA Sport: "It's been a long wait for a competitive match between the two sides and to get that twice with the two legs in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy area final is terrific for the city and the supporters.

"They are having a good season. They are up there in the league and had a good run in the FA Cup just like us."

"Making the final is an achievement but we want to go all the way in the competition now. In your career as either a player, a manager or a member of staff there are few opportunities to get some success and win a trophy and we are close to one."

"To beat your city rivals en route would make it even more memorable."

"We have been improving and progressing throughout the whole season and to win this competition would be a nice reward for that. But there is still along way to go."

Doncaster await the winners in the final after they came from 2-0 down to beat League One rivals Crewe 3-2 - and 6-5 on aggregate - at the Keepmoat Stadium.