Colin Calderwood: Steve Bruce a source of inspiration for Aston Villa players

Bruce has guided Villa to fourth in the Championship and a place in the play-offs, while dealing with tragedy in his personal life. The 57-year-old lost his father, Joe, in February, while his mother Sheenagh has also been seriously ill.

Assistant boss Calderwood, who took press duties on behalf of Bruce ahead of Sunday’s final league game at Millwall, revealed how the manager’s presence at the training ground alone during such a difficult period had helped to lift both staff and players.

“He’s a strong individual, a strong man and we’re all delighted when he walks in the building,” said Calderwood. “The players are certainly delighted when he stands on the sidelines and fronts up for them.”

Villa travel to Millwall on Sunday in their final league fixture, before facing the first, away leg of a play-off semi-final a week tomorrow May 12 (kick-off 5.15pm). The second, home leg is on Tuesday, May 15 (kick-off 7.45pm).

Calderwood added: “If we get success that will most definitely be some sort of comfort.

“It can’t replace what he’s really going through at the minute with what has happened.

“We’ve got to do our job - the players are very aware of it - and we’ve got capable staff to help him.”

Villa, who are cemented in fourth position, will be without Neil Taylor (hamstring) and Birkir Bjarnason (calf) for the trip to The Den.

Calderwood hinted at changes, with some players on the fringes of the first XI given the chance to build match fitness ahead of the play-offs.

New rules, introduced this season, permit a maximum of six changes to the team which started last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Derby.

“Everyone needs to be prepared as possible and if that means one or two come in for the weekend, I think that will be beneficial,” said Calderwood.

“We have to be mindful in a two-legged game which may go to extra-time, we don’t want to be running out of gas because they have not had enough time on the pitch.”