Steve Bruce: Aston Villa players must stand up and be counted

Boss Bruce, under rising pressure after a return of just one point from the opening three Championship games, reckons some members of his squad have shied away from the challenge of playing for a club where promotion is demanded.

Villa host Norwich on Saturday in a game which has taken on an increasing importance and Bruce acknowledged a big improvement is required.

He said: “Should the players be performing better? Yes. The enormity of Aston Villa comes into play.

“Unfortunately at the moment I’ve not got the best out of them, as some have shied away from it. They’ve found it difficult to get established and hit the form which is the reason they are at Aston Villa.

“They have to grasp the nettle too, to go forward they have to improve and I have to improve them.”

Bruce continued: “We have to match the expectation that’s coming, batten down the hatches, roll up your sleeves and I will see what a few people are made of. We’re up against it and you judge everyone.”

Bruce confirmed he may look to bring in another striker after Scott Hogan was forced off during Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat Reading with an ankle injury.

Villa were already without last season’s top scorer Jonathan Kodjia and Bruce may now turn to youngsters like Rushian Hepburn-Murphy and Keinan Davis in order to plug the gap.

There will be no recall, however, for Ross McCormack after Bruce revealed the Scot remains well down the pecking order.

“I opened the door in pre-season for Ross but he has not done enough to warrant a place in the side,” said Bruce. “There’s others above him at the moment.

“We’re a bit hamstrung with the loss of Hogan and we’re finding it difficult without our main forward (Kodjia). We found that difficult last year as well and if we need something it is at the top end of the pitch. You’re only as good as your strikers.

“Of course I have a few young ones and if it keeps progressing I will give youngsters a try as I don’t have millions to spend.”