Bruce has hinted that he could be set to recall a summer signing this weekend.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has hailed club captain Tommy Elphick for the way he has responded to being left out of the team, and suggested that he could be in line for a return to the starting XI, as reported by the Birmingham Mail.
Elphick was Villa’s first signing of last summer after their relegation from the Premier League, and the former Bournemouth captain was immediately named as Villa skipper.
However, Bruce has generally preferred the partnership of James Chester and Nathan Baker since his arrival as manager.
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That has somewhat left Elphick out in the cold. The 29-year-old has made 18 appearances for Villa this term, but his only start since the middle of December came in the 1-0 defeat to Wolves in mid-January when Baker was unavailable.
However, after Villa produced one of their worst defensive displays of the season to lose 3-0 at Brentford on Tuesday night, Bruce has suggested that the time could well be right for Elphick to return against Nottingham Forest this weekend.
Bruce said, as reported by the Birmingham Mail: “Baker and Chester, until Tuesday, were playing really well, but they didn’t live up to their standards and they know that themselves. Tommy now comes straight into the equation because he’s been there, done it and experienced it at the right time.
“He’s a very good type so you’re always edging towards him. He’s been immaculate in his approach to everything since I arrived. He’s trained every day as if it’s his last, he’s been fantastic and if everyone was like Tommy Elphick, my job would be easy.
“You know he hasn’t really moaned even thought I’ve picked people ahead of him which is disappointing for him. The way he has behaved is exemplary so fair play to him because it hasn’t been easy.”
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Bruce is clearly a fan of Elphick the man, but Elphick the player has produced cause for some concern amongst Villa fans this season with some occasionally far-from-convincing performances.
Supporters will be hoping that he can step up to the mark if brought back into the side for Saturday’s trip to Forest, with Villa desperately needing to arrest their slide.
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