Steve Bruce: Clean living helping Aston Villa skipper John Terry thrive in 'brutal' Championship

Terry has been integral to Villa’s challenge at the top end of the division and made a mockery of those who questioned whether, at the age of 37, he would be able to cope with the relentless physical challenge in the second tier.

The former England captain joined Villa last summer having made just 14 appearances in his final season at Chelsea.

Bruce believes Terry’s off-field regime – he is teetotal and keeps a close watch on his diet – has been key to his durability this term.

“John still trains and looks after himself and that is the reason he is playing at the level he is,” explained Bruce.

“He doesn’t drink anymore. He has his own dietician and does this, that and the other. It is part and parcel of why he is still playing and still has that pride.”

Terry spent two months out with a broken foot earlier in the campaign but Bruce has not needed to give his skipper a rest when fit. The boss believes the physical demands of the Championship are now equal to that of the Premier League.

He said: “When I first started in management it (the difference) was huge but now there is no real difference.

“Our team cover as much as a Premier League team. Physically you have to be ready for it and there are more games.

“If you’re not ready for it the Championship can be brutal experience.”

Terry has previously credited legendary Chelsea striker Gianfranco Zola for setting an example to follow when he was at Stamford Bridge.

Bruce hopes his skipper is now doing the same at Villa.

“A footballer, a young man, is always going to have a night out. Who didn’t when they are 20, 21?” he said.

“But the culture has certainly changed. Now, with the headlines they get, they are role models and they shouldn’t forget that. Everyone can have a beer and a night out and enjoy themselves. There is nothing wrong with that. It’s when it goes to the other side and goes too far.

"When you are in football now, certainly people have a beer now and again. But gone are the days when it is a culture of going out every Saturday night because you are winning.

"It doesn’t happen anymore and shouldn’t happen anymore, especially because of the influence of the foreign players and managers, they don’t do it. Back in the day everyone did it. Now if you are doing it, it becomes a big disadvantage to you.”