Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Villans training ‘feisty’
STEVE Bruce’s underdogs have been straining at the leash ahead of the Championship play-off final, so much so the Aston Villa manager was forced to cut short training.
A mini-match during Tuesday’s session was i n danger of getting overly competitive, with four days still to go before Villa’s Wembley showdown against Fulham, who the bookmakers have made favourites.
Bruce pulled the plug on the “feisty” encounter but it was a pleasing sight to a man well versed in what happens in the build-up to big matches.
“I used to say that when you can smell the hot dogs there’s a big occasion around the corner. On Tuesday, I had to stop training early because they were champing at the bit – too early. It got a bit feisty to say the least,” said Bruce.
“It was very interesting. It’s not a bad sign. I’m not against it at all. It’s normal. We just stepped in and cut it a little short – shall we put it that way. And I hadn’t even revealed the team then.”
Bruce has since picked his starting line-up. One man sure to be in Bruce’s team is captain John Terry. The central defender turned 37 in December but his impact at Villa has been significant since making the emotional decision to quit Chelsea on a free transfer last summer after two decades of service.
“He has been vital,” said Bruce. “For me (Jack) Grealish has looked to him and thought, ‘God, if I’ve got to be like that to be a top player’ and that’s what we brought him in for. Not just to win a game on a Saturday, but overall . . . he has never let us down.
“I just knew what he would give. He has been one of the great defenders of our country. He is a great leader of men.”