Steve Bruce hails Jonathan Kodjia after striker fires Aston Villa to fourth straight win

Kodjia rolled home a 39th minute penalty to net his first goal of the season and earn Bruce’s Villa a fourth consecutive win in the Championship.

Just moments earlier the striker had left his boss and the majority of the 31,451-strong crowd infuriated after spurning a golden chance to break the deadlock.

Clean through on goal, Kodjia ignored the unmarked Albert Adomah and instead attempted an elaborate finish which was saved by Trotters keeper Mark Howard.

With Bruce fuming on the touchline, the Ivory Coast international quickly redeemed himself by winning and converting the decisive penalty.

Bruce said: “He had the courage after the mistake he had made a minute before to stick it into the back of the net which is good.

“That was typical Jimmy (Kodjia). He produces a bit of magic but then should have passed one and that's the way he plays.

“He is off the cuff and when you have got someone who is off the cuff then you must encourage them.

“You don't know what he is going to do. That is what gives him that bit of flair.

“At times he should pass it when he shouldn't and other times he looks like a world-beater.”

Kodjia’s return after more than four months out with an ankle injury has been a key factor in Villa’s improved form.

The 27-year-old is now away on international duty and Bruce added: “Ideally he could have done with staying here and not going away with the Ivory Coast.

“But he wants to go, a big World Cup game, I can understand that, but it is good to see him physically fit because he will get better and we know he is a threat.”

Saturday’s win saw Villa climb to seventh in the Championship, now just a point outside the top six.

“There is a long way to go and a bit of work to be done but we are slowly but surely turning things around, which is good,” said Bruce.