Steve Bruce has been full of praise for Aston Villa defender John Terry ever since his summer move from Chelsea.
The 37 year old has played 32 times for the Villains this campaign, despite suffering an injury against Fulham in October.
As well as bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience gained over a 20 year playing career, Terry brings a wise head in the changing room which is something all managers crave.
Bruce admits that having Terry in his team is significant in Villa’s strong season.
The Villa boss said ,after the win against Middlesbrough, “You’ve seen him out there, he was brilliant, but it wasn’t just on the pitch that I needed him. It was to deal with the dressing room and it has been toxic, at Aston Villa, for years.
“It was important that people like Jack Grealish saw someone: this is how you do it. The way you look after yourself, this is what you prepare for.”
Terry isn’t the only experienced pro in the Villa ranks who have played key roles in their promotion push.
“Glenn Whelan is the same. Elmohamady is the same. Jedinak is the same. All people who have been at the top level. They have been crucial to the young ones, because we have some good young ones too.” Said Bruce.
“You have to hit the heights. Gone are the days when you can go night clubbing. You have to focus on what you do and the dressing room I have brought in helps that.”
Villa entertain Middlesbrough on Tuesday night, and Bruce will be hoping his side can finish the job and secure a trip to Wembley.
