VILLA’S TALLER ORDER

STEVE BRUCE admits Aston Villa’s hopes of triumphing in the Second City derby have been massively hit by Harry Redknapp’s arrival.

Birmingham this week unveiled Redknapp as their latest boss until the end of the season to replace hapless Gianfranco Zola, who quit.

Bruce (above) now expects the 20th-placed visitors to be revitalised tomorrow under 70-year-old Redknapp, who has bossed various clubs including West Ham, Portsmouth, Spurs and QPR.

“It is more difficult now,” said Bruce. “Harry is a very good appointment. Did I think I’d see Harry back in football? Yes.

“The one thing that age does give you is experience and if you’ve still got that same enthusiasm, then age is not a barrier.

“I saw his enthusiasm for it this week, he’s a real big football man. He gets the best out of players and he’s proved that over the years.

“But you must maintain that enthusiasm because nowadays it’s a difficult job and more demanding than it’s ever been.

“You don’t get time any more, you are always judged on yesterday’s result?

“I thought it was a great comment from him that his wife thought he was mad. I can just hear her saying it to him.

“I don’t think I will be doing it when I am 70 – I’m not sure I will see 70!”

Bruce, who both played for and bossed Birmingham, added: “I am going to be honest, I don’t want to see them relegated. It would be poor for the Second City.

“We need to be in the Premier League, not hovering around at the bottom end of the Championship or mid-table.”