BRUCE SALUTES IMPACT OF STAR TERRY
STEVE Bruce has paid tribute to John Terry and the influence he’s had at Aston Villa as the former England captain nears a playing return.
The 37-year-old defender has been out with a broken foot since early November, but Bruce expects him to make his comeback in the FA Cup third-round clash with Peterborough next Saturday.
And Bruce has also explained how big an influence Terry has had on the club, even during the period he has been stuck on the sidelines.
“I think he’s probably geared for the FA Cup tie, rather than the festive period, if I’m being honest,” Bruce said.
“What sums him up is he had the physio in here last week at 6am so he could work and get on the bus with the players before they played the game.
“His influence around the place is enormous. The standards he sets and the way he is you can see why, at 37, he’s still got something to offer.
“The way he is, the way he conducts himself, the way he looks after himself, the way he demands. He’s got everybody on toast, including the media manager!”
Meanwhile, Bruce also backed Terry to take the plunge into management when he eventually does call time on his playing career.
However, the Villa boss warned the former Chelsea skipper it takes time to understand whether you are really cut out for a career in management.
“Without question, he’s going to have a crack at it. Without question he’ll have a go, and rightly so,” Bruce said.
“I thought management was really for me after my first two jobs.
“John Benson and Dave Whelan showed me what it was like to be the manager and that set me on my path. I’m glad I did it.”