Aston Villa equipped to deal with pressure of promotion race says Steve Bruce
Boss Steve Bruce is confident promotion-chasing Villa have the character to cope with the pressure of the Championship run-in.
Villa, third in the table, host QPR on Saturday aiming for a win to keep pace with their rivals for automatic promotion.
Bruce’s men have taken 25 of the last 30 points available and twice came from behind before claiming a 4-2 win at Sheffield Wednesday last weekend.
The manager believes that with experienced heads like John Terry, Glenn Whelan and Ahmed Elmohamady in the dressing room, his team will not wilt as the race heats up.
“I think we have a nice balance of experience - people who have been there, done it and worn the T-shirt," he said.
“We’ve got players who have been in the Premier League and people who have been promoted before. The players we brought in during the summer, I knew would give us the experience.
“It was all geared really. People were brought in to handle Villa Park. No disrespect to anyone else in the division but they do not come under the pump like our lads do.
“That is part and parcel of playing for a big club. When you are asked a question at Villa Park you find yourself up against it, very quickly because of the demands.
“That is always the thing, can we handle it? I am sure we can. Let’s hope I am proved right.”
Villa went into the weekend sitting four points behind second-placed Cardiff and ten behind long-time leaders Wolves.
Both still have to visit Villa Park this season, as do fourth-placed Derby County.
Bruce added: “I expect it to go to the wire. I have said from day one we had to be there or thereabouts.
“We are there or thereabouts and have given ourselves a wonderful chance. We have the three teams around us, all at home.
“You could say it is in Cardiff’s hands. There are going to be twists and turns, in my experience.
“But we have given ourselves an outstanding chance. We have worked tirelessly, my staff and the players – in moulding the squad that can mount a challenge.
“It is about to be upon us. You have to enjoy it because if you don’t, you never will. In a daft way let’s enjoy the challenge.”
