Aston Villa's Mile Jedinak could give Steve Bruce surprise boost ahead of Brighton

Boss Steve Bruce had initially ruled out the 32-year-old, who only returned to Bodymoor Heath on Thursday morning following a long haul trip back from the Far East.

Jedinak played and scored twice in Australia's 2-2 draw in Thailand on Tuesday and Bruce initially believed the demands of travelling would prove too much for the former Crystal Palace man.

But having spoken to the player on his return, the manager is now prepared to hold-off on any final decision until closer to kick-off.

"He's already dropped a hint to me that he's not too bad because playing in Thailand is not as bad as playing in Australia - there's ten hours difference!" said Bruce.

"Also he scored twice and he's playing very well at the moment so we'll see how he is on Friday."

When asked how he judges whether a player is too tired to play, Bruce joked: "They usually fall to sleep!

"He (Jedinak) is an experienced player so I'll have a conversation with him and I'll know what he'll say - he'll want to play.

"I will assess him and see how he looks. Sometimes you can tell by how they look."

Villa, who are unbeaten in five games since Bruce took charge last month, are set to be boosted by the return of midfielder Leandro Bacuna and left-back Jordan Amavi after both recovered from injury, though Micah Richards remains out with a calf problem.

And Bruce added: "It's frustrating, we didn't want the break.

"Jedinak, Jonathan Kodjia and Jordan Ayew, today (Thursday) is the first time seen them since last game.

"Thankfully it looks like everyone has come back okay which is always a plus point."