Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce admits Birkir Bjarnason was ready to rip his head off

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Aston Villa midfielder Birkir Bjarnason proved his worth last night, by curling in a sensational goal against Reading.

Steve Bruce has admitted to Aston Villa’s official website that Birkir Bjarnason was fuming when he did not pick him to play against Hull City.

Bjarnason was left on the substitutes’ bench at the weekend, as Bruce felt that the Icelandic international needed the time to rest, after representing his nation.

The decision arguably backfired, as Villa could only pick up a 0-0 draw against Hull.

Bjarnason was brought back into the claret and blues’ starting line-up last night, and he proved his worth as he scored a belter in Villa’s 3-0 win over Reading.

And Bruce felt that the fact Bjarnason was so fresh helped him to put in a brilliant display.

“He was in America playing for his country and when I told him he wasn’t involved on Saturday he was ready to rip my head off. He wants to play,” Bruce said.

“Thankfully, we let him recover and we saw the benefits tonight. He looked as fresh as a daisy and played very well.

“Birkir probably had his best game for us. I’m pleased for him.

“He is a fierce competitor, a really good athlete, as tough as they come. I’m pleased for him in particular.”

Bjarnason will now surely keep his place in Villa’s team for the foreseeable future.

It is quite a turnaround for a player who nearly left the Midlands club in the January transfer window.

Villa are next in action at the weekend, when they take on Norwich City at Carrow Road, looking to close the gap on the top two.