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Steve Bruce issues a response on the future of this 21-year-old Aston Villa ace
By Amir Mir
Steve Bruce has stated that Aaron Tshibola’s time at Aston Villa will come as his side gear up for a fixture against Cardiff on Monday afternoon.
Midfielder Tshibola, who made a £5 million summer move from Championship rivals Reading, has only featured once under the new manager.
The 21-year-old played in Bruce’s first game in charge in mid-October when Villa picked up a 1-1 draw against Midlands rivals Wolves.
Since then, he has either featured on the bench or failed to make the final 18 as the likes of Ashley Westwood, Mile Jedinak, Gary Gardner and Leandro Bacuna have been preferred.
Former Premier League manager Bruce offered his thoughts on the future of Tshibola and whether or not he will be given a chance in the first team.
“He is just young,” said Bruce, as quoted by the Birmingham Mail. “I have changed it, people have come in and we have not done much wrong.
“We have only lost two in 13. The people who have the shirt deserve it. His time will come. He is only a boy.”
Tshibola has played six Championship games for Villa this season, scoring one goal against leaders Newcastle in September.
The youngster was signed by Bruce’s predecessor, Roberto Di Matteo, who purchased the former Reading man on the advice of his assistant Steve Clarke.
Bruce’s side recorded a 1-1 draw against promotion rivals Leeds on Thursday night when striker Jonathan Kodjia scored a late penalty.
As the busy festive period continues, they will now take on Neil Warnock’s Cardiff to kick off the new year.
Villa are six points off the final play-off spot as they will be looking to close the gap on the top six with a win in Wales.
In other Aston Villa news, these seven senior players must leave in January in order to aid promotion.