Steve Bruce explains Aston Villa's decision to sell Nathan Baker

Baker’s 13-year association with Villa came to an end on Friday when he moved to Bristol City.

The 26-year-old centre-back finished last season as a first-team regular but found himself pushed down the pecking order by the summer arrivals of John Terry and Chris Samba.

And Bruce admitted the inability to guarantee Baker regular playing time was a key factor in the decision to sell.

“I want to wish Nathan the best of luck,” he said. “He’s done very, very well for the club.

“I was in a situation where he isn’t going to play every week and when you get to 26 like Nathan you want to play regularly football. I couldn’t offer him that so we wish him the best of luck for the rest of his career.

“I’m satisfied with the numbers I’ve got (in defence). We are never satisfied as managers are we?

“But I’ve got good cover, I’ve got big Chris Samba and Mile (Jedinak) who can fit in there too – Micah if he gets himself in good nick, is cover. Otherwise I wouldn’t have let Nathan go.”

The need for the club to remain on the right side of Financial Fair Play regulations was also a factor in Baker’s exit.

Villa have been looking to offload several players surplus to requirements this summer and made around £8.5million from the sales of Jordan Veretout and Carlos Sanchez to Fiorentina.

They were poised for another big payday with the planned sale of Jordan Amavi to Sevilla before the move collapsed at the 11th hour when the Spanish club claimed the left-back had failed a medical.

“I think it’s plain for everyone to see, my remit is to balance the books,” added Bruce. “Yes Amavi’s move would have helped take a big dint but it didn’t happen.

“Hey, if I’m stuck with Jordan Amavi it isn’t a bad one. There are one or two you might have to sacrifice to bring in what you want.

“I never thought I would be selling Nathan Baker but all of a sudden it’s rolled into a transfer in the space of a week. It makes sense for everyone.”