Steve Bruce: Aston Villa must try and enjoy "rollercoaster" Championship run-in

Villa went into today’s clash at Sheffield Wednesday sat third in the table, four points behind second-placed Cardiff.

A seven-game winning streak had seen Bruce’s men climb into the top two earlier this month before being knocked off their stride by defeat at Fulham and a home draw with Preston.

But the boss insists this is no time for players to let nerves get the better of them.

He said: “We’ve been there or thereabouts all season and we’ve given ourselves a chance. Let’s enjoy the rollercoaster – because that is what it will be.

“We have to go and enjoy it because we are involved in football to be in the kind of situations we’re in now.

“It’s what we have strived for, what we have trained for and played for all winter. We’ve tried to get in this position. We have got a chance, with all to play for. Let’s cherish it and enjoy it.”

Bruce is under no illusions as to the importance of Villa winning promotion come May.

But he added: “Every game, if you’re Aston Villa manager, is nervous. That is part and parcel of the job.

“There is still a quarter of the season to go. I think the fans are that desperate for the team to do well it is understandable.

“Let’s be honest, they haven’t had much to shout about over the years. They come in their thousands.

“We are taking 4,500 to Sheffield. Every away game is sold out, it’s remarkable, especially when you think it is all to play for. Let’s enjoy the rollercoaster.”

Derby and Fulham are also remain in the mix for automatic promotion, with Sheffield United, Preston and Brentford among those in play-off contention.

Wolves currently sit nine points clear at the top of the table but Bruce does not believe the long-time leaders can afford to relax just yet.

“I wouldn’t say it is nailed down,” said Bruce. “Let’s be fair, they would have to do a Devon Loch. It would have to be a major collapse. But I wouldn’t say they are over the line yet.”