Steve Bruce tells Aston Villa fringe players to "be ready" after hailing squad strength

Bruce admits keeping those players currently out of the first-team picture at Villa Park happy is the toughest part of his job.

But the boss believes most will get the chance to stake their claim during a long and testing Championship campaign and is urging them to grasp it.

Conor Hourihane and Albert Adomah have both forced their way into the starting XI after being out of the team at the start of the campaign, while Alan Hutton has impressed Bruce while deputising for the suspended Neil Taylor at left-back.

“That’s what we want, a squad that is resilient and tough enough to take that,” said the boss.

“Some might not play but if they’ve got the huff, they’re no use to anybody."

Bruce quipped: “Of course, you can have the huff for a little while. But come and knock down the door and bash me up if you want. Not a problem!”

“When they get their chance again, like Alan Hutton has, hopefully they’ll show what they’ve got.

“After being out for six weeks, he produced a performance, so fair play to him.

“That goes for the rest of them, too. Their aim is to produce a job for the team when they’re called upon.”

Villa have climbed to fifth in the Championship despite the likes of Jack Grealish and Mile Jedinak being yet to feature this term through injury.

Last season’s top scorer Jonathan Kodjia has also recently returned from a broken ankle.

Bruce added: “The strength of the squad has got us to where we are in the league. We’ve been able to cope and that’s the beauty of having a strong squad. You need it.

“It’s up to me to keep them as happy as a I can. If you’re not playing you shouldn’t be happy. I can understand that.

“It’s the most difficult job, keeping the ones who are not playing, happy.

“But it’s a big club so they’re privileged in that way. We’ll keep treating them with the respect they deserve.”