Aston Villa kept alive their faint automatic promotion hopes with a 1-0 win over Leeds United on Friday night, although they remain four points behind Cardiff City after they won on Saturday to move second.

However, all Steve Bruce's men can do is concentrate on themselves and they will have been pleased to get the three points against the Yorkshire side after a nervy second half display.

One man who deserves credit for his performance on Friday was Mile Jedinak, who dropped back to a more unfamiliar centre-half role with John Terry out injured.

As you would expect, the former Crystal Palace man made it look easy, although it's fair to say that the Yorkshire side didn't pose the biggest threat. Yet, it continued Jedinak's solid but unspectacular season - as our graphic shows.

The 4.6 clearances per game demonstrates how he has very good positional sense, to cover for teammates and stop attacks.

Additionally, he regularly makes interceptions and tackles which highlights how he is a very good team player, doing the dirty work for the side.

Such qualities make him the ideal player for the likes of Conor Hourihane and Jack Grealish. His presence and intelligence gives those two, among others, the license to go forward and express themselves.

So, whilst he won't get the headlines, Jedinak has been a key figure for Villa and his experience and know-how could be essential as they reach the season-defining games in the next few weeks.

Thoughts, Villa fans? Let us know in the comments below.