Steve Bruce: John Terry would enjoy another crack at the Premier League with Aston Villa

The skipper’s future is one of several which could be decided by the outcome of Saturday’s play-off final against Fulham.

Villa will open contract talks with veteran full-back Alan Hutton next week, regardless of which division they are playing in next season.

Terry, who joined Villa on a one-year deal last summer, is expected to stay should they be victorious at Wembley and secure a return to the top flight.

The five-time Premier League winner ruled out remaining in the division when he left Chelsea 12 months ago, due to a reluctance to play against the club where he enjoyed a trophy-laden stay.

But Terry has recently indicated he would be willing to remain at Villa and has the option to extend his deal by a further year, should they go up.

And Bruce quipped: “Well we’ll not pick him against Chelsea! If that’s what he wants. I really genuinely hope he triggers it.”

Bruce has credited Terry with helping transform the dressing room culture at Villa.

He added: “All those phone calls to him (last summer), he hasn’t been disappointed with it.

“You can’t be disappointed when you walk through here. From the training ground, to the stadium, to the support, it has all the makings of a big club. That’s what it is.

“I’m sure he’d give it (the Premier League) a good go, whether he’ll thrive I’m not so sure. I’m sure he will give it a good go and enjoy the challenge of it.”

Hutton will be offered a new deal after enjoying his finest season since joining Villa in 2011.

The 33-year-old Scot has proved something of a revelation in the unfamiliar position of left-back, earning cult hero status with supporters.

Bruce said: “We will be talking to him next week, whichever division we are in. He deserves it. Playing left-back has probably enhanced him a bit. It’s slowed him down a bit, he has to come back on his right foot to play.”