Steve Bruce challenging Gabriel Agbonlahor to get a new Aston Villa contract

The 30-year-old came off the bench to score his first goal in 14 months and earn Villa a 1-0 victory which leaves their rivals just two points above the Championship relegation zone with two games to play.

Agbonlahor, who is out of contract at the end of next season, was brought in from the cold by Bruce after being deemed surplus to requirements by Roberto Di Matteo. And though the boss admits there is still plenty of work for the club's longest-serving player to do, he believes the incentive of earning a new deal is there.

"When we do break up for the summer, it's important Gabby gets himself in some nick and pre-season is huge for him," said Bruce.

"He's now got to win a contract for next year, which will be the the first time in a long time.

"When you get to 30, winning a contract is like winning the lottery.

"This is a big important time for him."

Agbonlahor had been banished to training with the club's under-23s by Di Matteo having suffered a dramatic fall from grace last season as rock-bottom Villa were relegated from the Premier League.

The Birmingham-born forward was twice suspended by the club for off-field misdemeanours and was then forced to resign the club captaincy after being pictured out partying on the night Villa's relegation was confirmed.

His goal yesterday came in his first appearance after three months out with a hamstring injury.

"Gabby was walking into the car park on my first day and was going to train with the 17-year-olds," said Bruce.

"I wasn't interested in the past. But when you bring him in from the cold, if that's where he was, then he has to react as well.

"I said to him he's got to go on a fitness programme and shed the timber, he did that. He was getting in contention when I needed him in January when Jonathan Kodjia was away.

"Unfortunately he injured his hamstring against Preston and it was a bad one. In that respect, he's got a big summer ahead.

"Certainly a fit Gabby Agbonlahor at this level has got something to offer, I'm convinced of that."

Agbonlahor's goal was Villa's only shot on target of a derby which lacked quality.

Blues, under the guidance of new boss Harry Redknapp, also struggled to create chances with Che Adams missing their best opening.

They now host Huddersfield next Saturday, desperate for a win to ease relegation fears, though Redknapp took heart in their performance.

"We've got a good chance," he said. "It's not going to be easy.

"We're at home next week and have to make sure we try to win. If we work as hard as that, we've got every chance."