BRUCE WANTS TERRY IN TOP FLIGHT
STEVE BRUCE believes John Terry will trigger the clause in his contract to stay at Aston Villa if they win promotion to the Premier League — and joked he would be willing to leave him out against his former side Chelsea. Terry can extend his deal by another 12 months if Villa beat Fulham in Saturday’s Championship play-off final. Although the former England captain is expected to assess his options, Bruce is confident of continuing their relationship. ‘Yes, perfect, absolutely,’ said Bruce when presented with the prospect of Terry leading Villa to victory then signing on again. ‘I really hope he triggers it. All those phone calls to him, he hasn’t been disappointed with us. From the training ground, to the stadium, to the support, it has all the makings of a big club.’ Terry is 38 in December but Bruce is certain he would still be a valuable asset in the top flight. ‘He has been one of the great defenders of our country,’ said Bruce. ‘He is a great leader of men, which we don’t produce many of any more. He does it in a quiet way, he is not a ranter and raver, he is not one who puts heads through doors. He is calm. ‘I’m sure he’ll give it a good go in the Premier League if we make it. Whether he’ll thrive I’m not so sure. He will enjoy the challenge.’ Terry has said he could not imagine facing Chelsea and a laughing Bruce said: ‘Well, we’ll not pick him against Chelsea, if that’s what he wants!’ Meanwhile, Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has admitted he does not know what will happen after the game amid uncertainty over his future. The Serb is admired by former club Chelsea, who are expected to part company with manager Antonio Conte. ‘I am going to finish my business like Arsene Wenger if I am lucky,’ Jokanovic said. ‘I expect I am going to work for 20 years more. ‘I have a contract and that’s it. I am not thinking about the future. This game is so huge I don’t know what I am going to do on Sunday morning. To be honest I do not care. I am only thinking about the job that is ahead of us. ‘We want to fight to bring Fulham to the place we believe they belong.’