BRUCE: I COULDN’T WAIT FOR ENGLAND

STEVE BRUCE insists he did not consider waiting for the chance to manage England once Aston Villa came calling, despite Gareth Southgate only being in temporary charge.

But the 55-year- old, who quit Hull City in August, has not ruled out taking the national team job in future.

Bruce, who spoke to the FA before Sam Allardyce was appointed, said: ‘I’m English so I was so flattered to get an interview.

‘ I never really thought about it when I got the call to come here. You can’t really look in a crystal ball.

‘It is all about timing in football. They announced Gareth within 24 hours and I think they made (their intentions) pretty clear. In the future, who knows?’

Bruce was unveiled as Villa’s fourth permanent manager in 20 months and said there would be a fresh start for all his players, including outcast Gabby Agbonlahor, who will be allowed to train with the first team following a prolonged spell with the Under 21s.

‘I am not really interested in what has happened in the past,’ said Bruce, who has been appointed on a rolling contract.

‘The slate is wiped clean for all of them. That obviously means Gabby too. But he has had his problems and it is fair to say, he has got to get himself into some condition.’

Bruce is keen to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on loan in January. United boss Jose Mourinho rates the 23-yearold but is keen for him to get more first-team experience at another club.

Chris Woods, currently at West Ham, is set to become Bruce’s goalkeeping coach.