Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce: Even John Terry will be nervous ahead of Second City derby bow

Terry will get his first taste of the Second City rivalry at St Andrew’s, having chosen to join Villa over Blues in the summer.

The 36-year-old played in countless big games during an illustrious two-decade career at Chelsea, where he won five Premier League titles.

But Bruce reckons his skipper will still have the tingle of anticipation as Villa look to claim the bragging rights and continue their climb up the Championship.

“I am sure he will enjoy the challenge of it,” said the boss. “However, no matter how many experiences you have, a derby is a derby and it all goes out the window.

“Form. Ability. Sometimes that goes out the window. As I’ve always said in a derby game it’s who keeps their head the best in the madness around you, because it will be madness from the moment we leave the coach.”

Terry, who was courted by both clubs before opting to join Villa back in July, has not missed a minute of the Championship campaign.

Asked what the defender has brought to Villa, Bruce replied: “How to be right. How to be right as a pro, how to handle yourself, how to conduct yourself, how to be... if you don’t play and still have the desire like him.

“He’s not missed a training session. He’s not missed a game yet, touch wood. And he’s 36 and hadn’t played for the best part of 18 months.

“But his desire and his attitude is key, of course his ability has always been there, his left foot and his right foot and his bravery. I wish he was 26.”

Villa have won five of their last six to climb to fifth and Bruce added: “We’ve got to keep momentum. We didn’t get off to the best of starts this season.

“Thankfully now we have lost one in ten. The momentum is building but a long way to go.”