Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has been previewing this weekend’s clash with Millwall and revealed that we’ve welcomed three players back to full training.
Gabby Agbonlahor, Scott Hogan and Mile Jedinak are all back with the squad and are in contention for Saturday’s clash against Neil Harris’ side.
Jedinak saw a specialist earlier in the week following his shoulder injury and that went well according to Bruce.
‘His trip to the specialist went well. He has a training regime now and typically of Mile he wants to come back as soon as possible. It’s still sore, we thought he was going to need an operation. Thankfully it looks as if it’ll be quicker than we all thought.’
Bruce went on to say.
‘Hopefully in the next couple of weeks John Terry will be back, too. He’s giving himself every chance. The recoveries can’t come quick enough with amount of games coming up. We’re starting to get people back.’
Hogan and Agbonlahor will be assessed for the game, but I would imagine this match is certainly too quick for the Jedi.
As for Bruce’s wider press conference chat, he spoke firstly about the comeback against Leeds United and told the Official Site.
‘The important thing for me was that the boys we brought on made a real difference to the team. That’s vitally important. It’s good to have the quality of the likes on Henri Lansbury and Jack Grealish to call on. When you have players of their ability, they can change a game for you. Credit to the rest of the other players, too. We’ve had a tough time with injuries and we’ve got on with it and maintained results.’
Having come from behind twice in the last fortnight to take something from matches, that also pleased Bruce.
‘It’s vitally important if you’re going to be successful that you have the team spirit to do that. Perhaps in the previous few years we wouldn’t have pulled that off. We’re making small steps forward all the time and are in all of the places we want to be. There’s still a huge way to go.’
He also had praise for Lansbury again given his performance last week.
‘He’s a very good player who unfortunately had a horrible knee injury. Thankfully he’s gotten over that. It’s one of those that never really leave you but he’s good at the moment and that’s great for everyone.’
Turning attentions to Millwall and the test they will provide.
‘It’ll be a big one. Neil Harris has done a terrific job there. You know what you’re going to get – there’s a demand that they play a certain way. Physically we’ll have to be ready and we know they’ll enjoy the challenge of coming to Villa Park themselves. As always, it’ll be a tough game.’
He added.
‘They beat Sheffield United last week and they showed exactly what this league is about. Anytime you play Millwall you know you’re in for a game.’
With the festive period usually see a bounce in crowd numbers, Bruce went on to say.
‘If I ever need reminding about the size of this club, I’d only have to think back to Boxing Day last year when we played Burton Albion and there was 42,500 here. The fans enjoy Christmas and coming to watch us at home. It’s a big, important time coming up and they can more than play their part.’
With the FA Cup pitting us against Peterborough United or Woking in the third round, Bruce fielded a couple of questions on that topic.
‘The good thing is we’re at home. It’s a bit of a change for me as I usually pull out Tottenham, Arsenal or Liverpool. It’s an outstanding chance for us to progress.’
Vital Villa on:
Join Vital Villa
It’s easy to REGISTER, simply click the link and enjoy getting involved!
