WILDER’S A REAL MAN OF STEEL

STEVE BRUCE goes “Wild” with praise when he talks about his opposite number at Sheffield United ahead of tomorrow night’s Steel City derby.

Bruce started his managerial career 21 years ago at Bramall Lane and had a young Chris Wilder under his wing.

And now the Owls boss (below) hopes to have the final word again when the master comes face-to-face once more with the pupil.

But there’s no shortage of respect coming Wilder’s way as Bruce plots his downfall on home territory in what will be a manic Monday.

The Wednesday boss said: “I had him as a player a long, long time ago at Sheffield United. When you have had somebody as a player you watch them.

“But I don’t think I was there long enough to get to know him. Certainly, over the last few years he has been outstanding in his work. He’s very good.

“You have got to take your hat off to Chris and what he has done – from getting them out of League One to where they finished last year playing in a certain style.

“I have huge respect for Chris. But it’s our job – my job – to try and beat them. He’s a very capable manager and a good person, too.”

Bruce is no stranger to derbies. He’s played a part in them in Norwich, Manchester, Tyneside and Birmingham.

And now he is back in the Steel City, determined to send the blue half happy when they go to work on Tuesday morning.

Bruce added: “I have always said in a derby that form goes out the window.

“It’s all about what happens on the night. It’s on the occasion. Who handles it the best. Who handles the situation better.

“Let’s look forward to it. The whole of the country will be watching the Sheffield game. Let’s make it a spectacle. But let the best team win.”