Steve Bruce admits Aston Villa not looking to sell this month after hailing resurgent Tommy Elphick

The boss has not ruled out selling a player in order to buy later in the month but for now remains focused on strengthening his forward line through the loan market.

Elphick, who came close to joining rivals Blues last summer, was until recently tipped to depart Villa Park in January having been missing from the first-team picture for the entire campaign.

But impressive performances in wins over Middlesbrough and Bristol City have brought him back into the manager’s thinking.

Bruce said: “Tommy has put himself right back in the equation.

“You can never say never but I’m not going to sell regulars, put it that way. I have not thought about it. I’m mindful of the fact a good pro like Tommy wants to play. We’ll see. I have no problems with not letting anyone out.

“There might be a scenario where I have to sell one to buy another. Sometimes you have to play that game but I am not actively trying to do that at the moment.”

Last Saturday’s 1-0 win at Boro was Elphick’s first start in eight months, his recall coming after injuries to John Terry and Chris Samba.

“The one thing Tommy has done is trained and pushed himself to the limit,” said Bruce.

“When his chance has come he has been able to grasp it. Only a good pro like him can do that. Fair play to him.”