Conor Hourihane has forced his way into Aston Villa’s starting line-up with some excellent performances lately.
Hourihane looked to have slipped down the pecking order early on in the campaign.
But the Irish midfielder scored a brilliant free-kick to rescue a point for Villa against Blackburn Rovers last weekend.
Hourihane was then selected to start in midfield for Villa against Rotherham United alongside John McGinn.
And Bruce has suggested that Hourihane will now keep the place he has been so desperate for this weekend.
“John McGinn has been a wonderful signing for us,” Bruce said.
“Conor Hourihane, on the other hand, has been knocking on my door every couple of days. He’s been entitled to.
“Moving Grealish out left and into a free role has meant Conor can come in, and now he doesn’t have to knock on my door any longer.
“Hourihane reminded us at Blackburn and again the other night how good he is.
“He and McGinn both excelled in their new roles.”
Villa’s win over Rotherham ended their six game winless streak and relieved some pressure on Bruce.
Villa are favourites to win again at the weekend, when they host Sheffield Wednesday.
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