Steve Bruce: Blues draw was a fair result for Aston Villa

On his return to the club where he enjoyed eight successful years as a player and manager, Bruce saw his side take a first half lead at St Andrews thanks to Gary Gardner's header.

But Villa were pegged back in the second half when David Davis rifled home a strike from 20-yards.

A draw was the least the home side deserved with Clayton Donaldson twice coming close for Gary Rowett's men in a fiery and pulsating derby.

And Bruce was pleased with the resilience his side showed.

"I think it was a fair result," the boss said.

"It was a typical derby where it was ferocious. It wasn't the greatest spectacle you're ever going to witness. But in terms of effort and endeavour and sheer determination there was nothing to separate the two sides.

"You are always disappointed when you don't win. But to be fair, I think the result was the right one."

Somewhat surprisingly the match saw Gabby Agbonlahor return to the Villa squad for the first time in seven months with the forward introduced as a second half substitute.

"You only have to watch him for 20 minutes to see how much it meant to him to be involved," Bruce continued.

"I don't think that is ever in question. Whatever he has done in the past, I think he has played a high price for it. But my aim now is to get him on some sort of program so that I can used him for 90 minutes instead of 20.

"He's probably been in a dark place, a horrible place, but let's not forget he has played in the big league all his life and scored goals in the big league.

"I would be foolish to discard him. It's my job to get the best out of him. And if we do that he can be as good as any striker in this division."

Bruce was also delighted with Gardner who was born in Solihull and comes from a family which has both Blues and Villa supporters.

"I think the goal will please half his family," the manager added.

"But it was a great goal – a great header. We worked on set-pieces in training so it's nice to see one come off."