Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce: Dropping Birkir Bjarnason was toughest decision of the season

Bruce opted to leave out the in-form Iceland international in favour of recalling Mile Jedinak for the clash with Blues.

It was a decision more than vindicated as Jedinak delivered a powerhouse performance in the middle of the park to help Villa win the game 2-0.

But Bruce acknowledged it was tough on Bjarnason, who had been among the club’s top performers in recent games.

“I’ve been in management for 20 years and the hardest time is still picking a team,” he said.

“You’re going to leave out someone like Birkir who I’ve brought to the club.

“We’re only just seeing the real Birkir. It’s taken him eight or nine months but we’re certainly seeing this Icelandic warrior that we’ve got now.

“He’s come to terms with playing in England, where s before he was playing in Basel where it was probably too easy for him.

“To leave him out was the most difficult decision I’ve done all season because of his performances - he’s been excellent.

“But I thought in a big derby game, the physicality of Birmingham, they would try and go from back to front and test us out in that respect. I have to say Jedinak was outstanding.

“You make a big call, you hope you’ve picked the right team, but it was difficult, very difficult.

“Birkir didn’t deserve it but I felt it was right for the team. It worked but it’s still difficult for Birkir.”