Steve Bruce hails 'terrific' Aston Villa as they reach play-off final

A 1-0 aggregate win over Tony Pulis’ men ensured Villa will now take on Fulham at Wembley later this month for a place in the top flight.

After a solitary Mile Jedinak goal had put Villa in the ascendancy following victory at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday, Bruce’s men put in a professional performance to secure a goalless draw home last night.

And Bruce said he was delighted to secure the win for Villa’s long-suffering supporters.

“I’m delighted for everybody,” the boss said.

“The supporters have had a lot to suffer. And let’s be fair, the reason why a football club survives is because of its supporters.

“To a man they were terrific. I’m delighted for them that we can plan a trip to Wembley.”

After recording clean sheets in both legs of the semi-finals, Bruce felt it was his side’s resolute defence that secured the victory over Boro – with the boss believing his team shaded the game last night.

“I think what’s got us through, certainly is our defence,” the boss continued.

“I think they have had one shot on target in the two games.

“Defensively we have been very, very good all season if the truth be known. And I think to be successful you have to have that.

“If there was any team that deserved to win, I felt it was us. I think their goalkeeper has made two or three good saves.

“And we have created one or two big chances. But the longer it goes, when he (Stewart Downing) hits the crossbar you think ‘dear oh, dear’ you can’t put me through that anymore.

“But that little bit of luck, which you always need, was on our side.”

Bruce also accepted his team were fortunate not to see Johnstone sent off late on by referee Mike Dean when the keeper handled an Adama Traore effort outside the box.

“I thought you could tell the referee was a premier league referee,” he added.

“Maybe he got that wrong, maybe it could have been a sending off. It probably could have been a red card.”