Steve Bruce hails Keinan Davis as teenage ace closes on Aston Villa record

The boss has been particularly impressed at how the 19-year-old has stepped up to the mark in recent weeks, when an injury crisis in the forward ranks left him as Villa’s only fit striker.

Davis, who joined Villa from non-league Biggleswade Town two years ago, is poised to surpass James Milner’s record for the most minutes played by a teenager in a league season in the coming weeks.

“I keep going back to the boy. From where he’s come from, to lead the line for Villa is testament to him,” said Bruce.

“He and Josh Onomah, they’re 19 and 20-years-old and have played something like 19 to 20 games now, they’ve been fantastic.

“Those two have played their part, they might not have scored a load of goals but they’ve contributed to the team and that’s important.”

Davis has played 1,270 minutes since making his full debut in a 4-2 win over Norwich City back in August. Milner played 1,361 minutes while on loan from Newcastle during the 2005/06 campaign.

Injuries to Jonathan Kodjia, Scott Hogan and Gabriel Agbonlahor have increased the burden on Davis in recent weeks and Bruce acknowledged the youngster, who was rewarded with a new and improved contract last month, will require a rest at some stage.

“He’s a young boy and sometimes they need to be taken out and go and rest for a week - he’s still growing, and there are times when he finds it a bit difficult physically,” said the boss.

“People are going to question that and say that’s ridiculous but that’s what it is. He’s a big boy who hasn’t finished growing yet.

“Would you believe he’s only 19 and he’s built like a barn door at the moment.

“What we are aware of is that for the last few weeks he has been our only fit No.9.”