SAMTHING SPECIAL
Johnstone believes in Bruce Prem bid
SAM JOHNSTONE has backed Steve Bruce to deliver at Aston Villa as he shares the same winning mentality as Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho.
Resurgent Villa head into tomorrow’s Second City derby against bitter rivals Birmingham having won five of their last six league games – leaving them in fifth place.
Bruce has been promoted from the Championship four times as a boss, including twice with Blues. He is also a threetime Premier League winner with United under Ferguson.
And Johnstone, who is on loan from Old Trafford, sees similarities between his current manager and Fergie, under whom he came through the ranks, as well as United boss Jose Mourinho.
He said: “All three managers have got the same winning mentality. Can I see the same approach I was schooled in at United here under Steve? Of course. I have been fortunate to have a football education at the biggest club in the world. “Obviously our manager played there so he will use those experiences from being a player, as well as a manager, to get this team up.” One key addition this season pinpointed by the Villa keeper is former Chelsea and England skipper John Terry (below).
“He has played at the top all his career,” said Johnstone, who was visiting an Aston Villa soccer school during half-term this week. “It’s a privilege for me to play with someone that has won the things he has won. He’s a leader on and off the pitch.”
Villa are unbeaten in the last 10 league meetings between the sides and he added: “The atmosphere is something else but focus is on us to go out there and do a job.”