Steve Bruce calls for patience after Aston Villa claim deserved draw

Hourihane lashed home a free-kick in the third minute of stoppage time to salvage a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park and ease a little of the immediate pressure on Bruce.

A portion of the 4,000 travelling support had been calling for the manager’s head after Bradley Dack had put the hosts in front with 14 minutes remaining.

The draw ended Villa’s two-match losing run ahead of back-to-back home games with Rotherham and Sheffield Wednesday.

Bruce said: “I can understand their (the fans) frustration but believe me, it’s been a difficult gig over the last 12 months with all the problems we’ve had.

“But the message to all of them is you need time, and constant change means it’s always difficult, whether it’s managers, coaches and players.

“Every manager who managers Aston Villa is always going to come under pressure. We’ve lost one out of seven in the league, but we’re under pressure. That’s the way it is.”

Bruce felt Hourihane’s leveller represented justice for Villa, who had earlier been denied what seemed to be a clear penalty when John McGinn was tripped in the box.

Villa have now earned eight points from losing positions this season and Bruce believes that is proof of the team’s spirit.

“I think that’s now the fourth time in seven games that we’ve scored late on to rescue something or win something,” he said.

“It shows there’s a bit of spirit amongst them and I’m delighted for Conor. He’s had a frustrating time and he can feel harshly done by but the form of McGinn has given us something to think about, but since he’s walked through the door he’s been a terrific player. I’m delighted for him.

“It would have been unjust if we hadn’t have got something out of it, that’s for sure. We’ve had a stonewall penalty turned down.

“I don’t know how the referee doesn’t give that and we all know how crucial the first goal is away from home.”