SAVE IT FOR WEMBLEY
Bruce: My boys are champing at the bit and it’s getting feisty
STEVE BRUCE has revealed he had to step in and stop Aston Villa’s training earlier this week after it turned “feisty”.
Bruce’s side are preparing for Saturday’s Championship play-off final against Fulham at Wembley. The clash is worth £170million to Villa and several players’ futures are at stake with new contracts in the balance.
Boss Bruce admits it has taken all his experience to keep a lid on the tension and excitement at the club.
Bruce, 57, said: “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. It was very, very interesting. It’s not a bad sign. I’m not against it at all.
“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. The big occasion is round the corner and everybody’s champing at the bit. It’s the difference.
“Whatever it is, there’s a crackle around the place, and that’s part and parcel of being part of a big game.
“It’s what we’re all in it for, to go to Wembley for a big occasion, and try and be successful.”
Bruce has since told his players the starting line-up to help defuse tension further and focus minds.
He explained: “For a one-off, it’s important in the preparation.
“The substitutes can be matchwinners too and I think the players have understood that. “That’s why we’ve done it.” Promotion is likely to ensure several stars stay, like John Terry and Jack Grealish, with big cutbacks due at Villa Park if the club miss out.
It will also help fund a new deal for out-of-contract full-back Alan Hutton who Bruce wants to keep. Terry, 37, who joined last summer from Chelsea on a Bosman, has a lucrative clause he can trigger for a new deal if Villa are promoted.
The former England and Chelsea skipper could get another crack at the Premier League, despite previously insisting he didn’t want to play against his beloved Blues.
Bruce added: “We’ll not pick him against Chelsea – if that’s what he wants. I really genuinely hope he triggers it. I’m sure he will give it a good go and enjoy the challenge of the Premier League.
“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.
“In a quiet way, he is not a ranter and a raver, he is not one who puts heads through doors. He is calm.”