Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce heaps praise on club's academy staff and Kevin MacDonald

Teenagers Callum O’Hare, Andre Green and Keinan Davis have all impressed this season, the latter earning rave reviews after making his full senior debut in Saturday’s 4-2 win over Norwich.

Davis and Green are expected to be rested for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup clash against Wigan, with Bruce eager to keep the duo fresh for Friday night’s Championship game at Bristol City.

And the boss was quick to direct the plaudits in the direction of MacDonald, for instilling the will to win in the club’s young charges.

“All credit for the young ones has to go to Kevin MacDonald and his staff,” said Bruce. “Kev is a bit old school and not everyone’s cup of tea.

“But by God those kids of ours, they all have a huge appetite because they have to, playing under him.

“They have a desire about them, a hunger about them and they are fit and healthy.

“I see them run a million miles every other day. Him and his staff deserve a pat on the back today because of how they are.”

Bruce would have typically used Tuesday’s tie as a chance to give the youngsters a run out but is wary of over-working Davis, who he admits to being undroppable after the 19-year-old’s showing against the Canaries.

“I have got to pick a team and how can I leave him (Davis) out? I don’t think I can,” said Bruce.

“We have to look at that because to play him tuesday and on Friday may be too much. He has come off and is exhausted. I think he will sleep for a week. So he should.”