Bruce has gone four games unbeaten since taking charge at Aston Villa.
Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner has told BBC Sport that Steve Bruce has given the Villa players their confidence back.
Bruce took charge at Villa Park in the middle of October after they decided to part company with Roberto di Matteo.
He has managed to go four games unbeaten since then, picking up two wins in the process, one of which was their first away victory since the beginning of last season.
Aston Villa Manager Steve Bruce
That has seen them move up into 15th place in the table and six points away from the final play-off place occupied by Bristol City.
His start is an impressive one given the club had managed to pick up just one win in the 11 games before his arrival and Gardner says the turnaround is down to him giving the players their confidence back.
“Every player knows what they’re doing now. We feel confident,” he told BBC Sport.
“The gaffer’s been there and done it – four promotions, and hopefully he can get another one with us. We’ve worked very hard and it’s showing.”
“It feels like we can’t lose. I know it’s funny to say that but it’s a good feeling to have. Going into games knowing you’ve got a better chance of winning than losing is good.”
Gary Gardner celebrates scoring the first goal for Aston Villa with Alan Hutton
It remains to be seen if Bruce can guide Villa to promotion after making such a solid start to life at Villa Park.
That six point gap is not an insurmountable one by any means but a man as experienced as Bruce will know that his side will have to be in top form to close it up.
With 31 games left they certainly have a chance of doing so and will be keen to get into the winning habit, starting with their home game against Blackburn Rovers this weekend.
Aston Villa Manager Steve Bruce
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