Jonathan Kodjia could be Aston Villa's Thierry Henry, says Steve Bruce

The 27-year-old striker, who joined Villa from Bristol City in the summer, is rapidly becoming a Holte End hero after blasting five goals in his last five games.

And though Bruce has not made a direct comparison with Henry, the Villa boss does believe Kodjia shares one notable characteristic with Arsenal and France's all-time top scorer, in the manner he is able to threaten from the flanks.

Kodjia, an Ivory Coast international, began his professional career in France before moving to England in the summer of 2015 and has often been utilised on the wing.

Bruce said: "I am just looking at the squad of players now and how to get the best out of them. Kodjia is the prime one.

"In France they don't play as wingers, they play as centre-forwards but to the left or the right. The classic one was Thierry Henry."

Kodjia joined Villa in a deal which could eventually rise to a Championship-record £15million and Bruce believes his ability to play out wide increases Villa's attacking options.

He added: "You only have to come and watch him to see what a good player he is.

"He's got that trick in his locker. What he does do very well for us is he enjoys playing on the side.

"He is a centre-forward who plays wide and does it very well. All of his goals, he's got penalties, of course, have come from that way. It's important. It helps me to get another centre-forward on the pitch."

Bruce has meanwhile ruled out a move for Joey Barton following the midfielder's release from Rangers.

"I have seen some reports linking him with us," said Bruce. "I wish Joey well and hope he gets fixed up but no, he is not for us."