Express & Star

Steve Bruce tells Mile Jedinak: Switching to centre-back can extend your career

Villa boss Steve Bruce has told Mile Jedinak switching to centre-back can help prolong his career.

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Bruce has confirmed he now sees Jedinak primarily as a defender, with the 34-year-old having partnered skipper James Chester at the back in Villa’s last three Championship games.

The manager has not ruled out reverting the Australian international into a midfielder for certain matches.

But he said: “I’ve had the conversation with Mile. I think if we are going to try and be different, like we are, it needs a different approach.

“I do see him (Jedinak) at centre-back. I do think it will prolong his career and I see him as a very capable centre-back. He played there five or six times for us last year and he was immaculate in some games. The more he plays, I’m determined he will get better.”

Jedinak built his reputation on being a tough-tackling midfielder and Bruce said: “There are times in the Championship when you play against the more direct teams.

"I brought him in against Birmingham last season, Middlesbrough away. Then it is fantastic to have Mile in the position he has played all his life.”