Steve Bruce warns Aston Villa they cannot count on Championship's dark horses falling away

Villa entered the weekend sat fifth in the table, ten points behind second placed Cardiff and six behind third-placed Bristol City.

Sheffield United, who visit Villa Park this evening, also reside in the top six.

Bruce admits his team will need to do the leg-work themselves if they to close the gap to those above.

“Who would have thought Sheffield United, Cardiff and Bristol City would be in the top six at Christmas? It’s quite remarkable,” he said.

“It reminds me of Hull in 2013. We were at the top end of the league and everyone said we would fall away. We never did.

“In Neil Warnock in particular, Cardiff have an experienced manager who has won promotion after promotion.

“We shouldn’t be surprised with what he has achieved. I don’t expect them to be falling away. I think they will be competitors.”

Villa have seen their progress hampered by injuries in recent weeks and went into the Blades clash aiming to snap a three-game winless run.

Bruce, with four previous Championship promotions on his CV, believes all is still to play for.

"Nothing helps like experience. I have been there, done it, worn the T-Shirt," he said.

"We are only halfway there, really. The big thing is to be there or thereabouts when the daffodils come up. Then, all sorts happens with ten or 12 games to go.

"We would like to be closer to the top, of course. We are never 100 per cent pleased but we are encouraged by the progress and have given ourselves a chance.

"I think you just have to look at the league. It doesn’t matter what name you are. Hull and Sunderland in particular are fourth and fifth bottom in the Championshp. Middlesbrough are tenth.

"All were in the Premier League last year.

"It has no boundaries, this league. It is unforgiving. Very, very difficult. I think we have a squad capable, with a little more luck, of mounting a challenge."