BRUCE EAGER FOR MOUR OF JOHNSTONE

STEVE BRUCE will talk to Jose Mourinho today about keeping goalkeeper Sam Johnstone at Villa Park.

Johnstone has overcome a nervy start to his loan from Manchester United and has impressed Villa boss Bruce.

The 24-year-old has conceded one goal in his last seven games with Villa launching a late bid for a Championship play-off place.

Bruce will ask Mourinho whether he will consider making Johnstone’s move permanent.

“I’ll give it a day because he didn’t win on Saturday, but then I am going to try and speak to Mr Mourinho when he’s got five minutes,” Bruce revealed.

Johnstone has been with United six years but never played for the first team.

“My goalkeeper has had a wonderful few weeks and that’s helped the whole team because his presence is giving everybody the confidence that we can keep a clean sheet,” said Bruce.

“We’ve seen Johnstone grow through playing games. We knew he was a top-class goalkeeper and he’s looking the part.”

Johnstone has been on loan at Oldham, Scunthorpe, Walsall, Yeovil, Doncaster and Preston but could be getting a new home.

“It’s a specialised position where you have to be patient,” added Bruce. “Goalkeepers are late starters and go on until they’re 40 years old.

“Johnstone is starting to look like what everyone told me he was. He’s recommended by my goalkeeping coach Gary Walsh as the best young keeper in the country.”

Johnstone kept Norwich at bay and Jonathan Kodjia (above) came up with the goals – one a beauty. But the Canaries, who had Ivo Pinto sent off in the 80th minute for a second yellow card, look grounded.

Defender Steven Whittaker admitted: “We know we’ve underachieved and shouldn’t be where we are.”