Darren Bent backs Steve Bruce to be a success at Aston Villa

The former Villa striker is well qualified to comment having played under the new Villa boss at Sunderland.

Bent's form for the Mackems during the early part of the 2010/11 season convinced Villa, then managed by Gerard Houllier, to splash out a club record £24million to secure his signature in January 2011.

With Villa currently languishing down in 19th place in the Championship having won just one of their first 11 games, Bent reckons Bruce has the ability to quickly rebuild confidence.

He said: "Steve's one of the best man managers I've worked with. I know the players at Villa, and a lot of them won't respond well to negative criticism.

"Bruce will support you and give you what you need. It may sound simple, but that's what you want to hear.

"He gives you that support. He did it for me at Sunderland.

"He said just go out there and score goals and enjoy your football. It may sound simple but it's what you want to hear as a frontman. I'm sure he'll do well."

Bruce's six years in charge of Birmingham City have been viewed as a potential stumbling block with some supporters.

But Bent, who now plays for Derby, reckons his former boss will be able to withstand any extra scrutiny.

"It's one of the biggest clubs in the country so the expectation levels are always there," he said.

"It might make the job a little bit harder for Brucie coming from Birmingham, I know it's a long time ago.

"But I played with Villa under Alex McLeish and the Villa fans didn't take to him straight away even though we did okay that season.

"The fans were always waiting for something to turn so they could turn on him.

"I'm sure Brucie will be able to handle that. He's a fantastic manager. As long as he can manage the expectation levels of the fans and the club he will be fine."