Steve Bruce believes Jonathan Kodjia can be Aston Villa's play-off X-Factor

Kodjia has appeared as a substitute in the last four games following his recovery from a serious ankle injury, enjoying his most productive run-out to date in Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Cardiff.

The 28-year-old is again expected to be on the bench against Leeds tonight, with Bruce eager for him to be as ‘fit as a fiddle’ when the play-offs begin next month.

Villa head into the game knowing victory would secure a top-six finish.

Bruce said: “The question now is what is best for Jimmy. We have to get him fresh as a daisy, fit as a fiddle for the play-offs.

“You could see the impact he had on Tuesday night, compared to a few weeks ago. He looked like Jimmy again. Which was good for everyone.”

Kodjia has twice suffered a fractured ankle in the last 12 months, requiring surgery on both occasions. Bruce acknowledges it will take time for the Ivory Coast international to get his confidence back.

“It’s like anything, when you have been out for a long time. We saw him briefly earlier in the season and he came in and made an impact. It is the confidence that his foot is OK.

“He is a physically fit lad. The question is mental because he has had a horrible injury. More game time and more training sessions, the better he will feel. That is always the big thing.”

Though admitting his team are very much outsiders for a top two finish, Bruce has not given up hope of chasing down Fulham and Cardiff.

Fourth-placed Villa would move within two points of the second-placed Cottagers with victory tonight.

Bruce, who anticipates making “two or three” changes from the team which played Cardiff, said: “There are two teams we have to catch and it is going to be very difficult. We understand that.

“But we can’t give up the hope. Can we beat Leeds and put the pressure on over the weekend? Only when it is mathematically done it is then a case of, can I rest people?”