Successive defeats to QPR and Bolton have put a serious dent in Aston Villa's automatic promotion hopes, with Steve Bruce's men seven points behind Cardiff.

As well as that, the Welsh side have a game in although they do have to head to Villa Park in April, so Bruce will still hope his side can put pressure on the Bluebirds.

However, failure to make the top two will leave Villa in the play-offs - which look extremely competitive.

With Fulham and Middlesbrough likely to be part of the top six, it is going to take a brave man to call the winner, but Bruce knows how crucial promotion is to Villa.

The reckless spending before the ex-Wigan boss arrived at Villa Park and during his first season will seriously influence what the West Midlands side can do in the summer if they remain a Championship club.

He has already seen the impact of that, with Villa barely spending on transfer fees this season.

Here we look at three decisions that Bruce will have to make in the coming months

The Chelsea legend signed a one-year deal with Villa but has recently suggested he will be open to extending that stay.

Whilst that may suit the player, it leaves Bruce in a tricky position.

Should Villa win promotion, is Terry good enough to play in the top-flight given his age? Plus, would he be happy to stay if he didn't play every week?

Alternatively, even though there's no doubt about his ability to cope with another Championship season, Villa will have to be cutting costs.

Bruce will want to keep the influential leader but it's going to be hard to do so.

One criticism of Bruce this season has been his reluctance to play youngsters.

Villa have a very talented academy with the likes of Andre Green, Callum O'Hare and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy among those to come through.

Even though they've been given the odd game here and there, they are reaching an age now where they need to be playing regularly.

If Villa win promotion this won't be an issue, however if they don't the future of Ross McCormack leaves Bruce in a difficult position.

Firstly, Villa are not going to recoup anything like the fee they paid for him, whilst his wages will also put off a lot of others.

However, the boss will be reluctant to bring him back into the fold after their well-documented problems with one another.

So, does Bruce look to make amends with a player who has a lot to offer at Championship level, or do Villa take a big financial hit to send him on his way?