Steve Bruce pondering options in Aston Villa run-in

October’s 2-1 win at the Madjeski Stadium, courtesy of a last minute Jordan Ayew penalty, delivered Villa a first win on the road in more than 14 months and their manager a maiden victory less than a week after taking charge.

“I remember the joy,” recalled Bruce yesterday, when asked whether that chilly night in Berkshire may one day be regarded as a turning point for the club.

“I had not realised the stat of 14 months not winning away from home,” he continued. “There was the joy of the supporters but really the staff here, the medical department and all the rest of it, who had travelled up and down the country on a bus and never got a result for all that time.

“I would like to think me walking through the door was a turning point, not just what happened at Reading. But that is for the future. The game itself now seems a lifetime ago, yet it was only five or six months ago.”

The second meeting of the clubs this season finds the Royals sitting in the top six, just as they were back in October, seemingly on course for a play-off berth.

That Villa are a better team than when Bruce first walked through the door is unquestionable. Yet the improvement has not been swift enough to maintain a serious top six challenge this term.

The challenge for the manager, during what for supporters will be arguably the most stress-free climax to a season in more than a decade, is striking the right balance between blooding young prospects and maintaining the momentum which has seen his team win seven of their last nine games. “There is a little bit of me saying let’s finish on a high, there is a little of wanting to give the kids a chance,” said Bruce.

“Then there is a little bit of me saying the lads are doing well at the minute and have earned the right to be in there.

“I will ponder it. Let’s not forget we have got all pre-season, which is a hugely important time.

“I don’t want to upset the balance at the minute because the team are playing well. It’s important we keep the feelgood factor going a little bit. We all know how important next season is. It would be nice to finish with a flourish.”

For all Reading’s success this season under Jaap Stam, they have remained somewhat enigmatic. Of the 57 goals they have conceded, 42 have been away from home, including seven in a shock drubbing at Norwich last weekend. Victory for Villa tomorrow would see them record six straight home league wins for the first time since January 1993.

“I said a few weeks ago, the tickly bit was here. We have seen some strange results, none more so than that one,” said Bruce, reflecting on Reading’s Carrow Road defeat. “They will want to bounce back.

“If you ever need reminding of what can happen in this league when you take your eye off the ball, there it is.”