Bristol City defender Louis Carey has hit back at the club's critics claiming they have failed to give the Robins the credit they deserve.With only five games remaining City find themselves top of the Championship and in with a real chance of consecutive promotions - following last season's elevation from League One.

And Carey believes it is about time Gary Johnson's men received some plaudits for what has been a fantastic campaign to date.

"We've been in the top six all season and I think some people forget that. It can't be a fluke after 40-odd games. We're where we are on merit," he said.

"We're not seen as genuine contenders but that has to change now. I think we deserve to be taken seriously when people talk about the race for automatic promotion."

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