Steve Bruce has some promising youngsters just waiting for first-team opportunities at Villa.

Aston Villa are guaranteed a play-off spot with fourth place the likely finish, so they have a chance of being promoted. Therefore, opportunities are likely to be limited if that happens due to the tough competition and prioritisation of results in the Premier League.

However, these four players could thrive when given a chance. Bruce has given opportunities to youngsters on merit this season, so there is a pathway into the first-team, although the experience in the squad makes this hard.

Here are four players that Bruce should allow to flourish with consistent game time...

Lyden has been limited to two appearances in the EFL cup with the first-team this season.

He has the ability to act as back-up for the defensive midfield role behind Glenn Whelan with a role in the less important games. However, he needs opportunities in order to avoid his development stagnating because he is at the age where game time is needed to build up experience.

O'Hare is another player that hasn't been given a proper chance this season with just four substitute appearances in the league as well as four starts in the domestic cups. However, he still managed to get an assist in the league match against Sheffield Wednesday.

Central midfield is a strong area for Villa, but he can add depth to that area and ensure that the first-teamers don't become fatigued while also ensuring he keeps developing.

Green is a top prospect, so he should be breaking into the first-team consistently next season. He can play anywhere along the front line just behind the striker, so his versatility is useful.

This season has seen him go backwards slightly because he received more minutes last season. However, Bruce can make up for that by ensuring he competes with Albert Adomah for the left-wing role because he is a talented dribbler and likes to cut inside onto his right foot. Although he does need to work on his crossing.

Hepburn-Murphy has a good opportunity to work his way into the first-team because the centre-forward position is a weak area even though Villa have plenty of options.

He could follow Keinan Davis' route into the team because he has the necessary goal threat and work-rate to thrive as a lone striker, which is how Bruce likes to set his teams up.

With just three substitute appearances and 59 minutes altogether in the league, he hasn't had enough time to show his quality and needs more opportunities next season regardless of what league they are in.