The Robins boss believes the outcome of the two-legged semi-final against Crystal Palace will be decided by strength of character and state of mind.

"It's all about having players who feel relaxed under pressure. The more of those you have, the better your chances," said Johnson, whose side play at Selhurst Park on Saturday before contesting the second leg at Ashton Gate three days later.

"I have found out for myself that it's not something you can teach. Either players are naturally that way inclined, or they are not.

"They have to be able to handle pressure naturally because of their character and personality and we have players like that at our club.

"It's a different mindset in the play-offs. You're tuned into a 46-game league for nine months and then, all of a sudden, your season can come down to two or three matches and it's a sudden-death situation. That's when the nerves can affect players because there is no second chance if you get it wrong.

"Of course you want the boys to relax, but that's easier said than done. You can't order them to relax and it's no good me telling them. They need to have that in their personal make-up."