Steve Bruce has lavished praise on John Terry ahead of what could be his final game for Aston Villa on Saturday.  

Villa face Fulham in the play-off final on Saturday, with Bruce looking to guide his side to promotion and end their two-year stay in the Sky Bet Championship.

Terry has been key to helping Villa to the play-off final, featuring on 35 occasions across all competitions and captaining Bruce’s side.

The 37-year-old was brought in on a 12-month contract last summer, with Bruce praising the impact of the ex-England and Chelsea captain.

He told the Guardian: “I just knew what he would give. Let’s be fair, he has been one of the great defenders of our country.

“He is a great leader of men, which we don’t produce many of any more, and in a quiet way; he is not a ranter and a raver, he is not one who puts heads through doors.

“He is calm.”

Saturday’s clash with Fulham at Wembley could be Terry’s last appearance in claret and blue, with his contract set to expire next month.

There is the option for Terry to sign another 12-month deal, should Villa win promotion, something that Bruce is hopeful the defender does.

However, Terry reportedly has offers from elsewhere ahead of the 2018/19 campaign, with MLS clubs in the hunt to sign him, alongside clubs in China, with big-money on the table.

The Verdict

Terry has been influential this season at Villa Park, helping to transform Bruce’s squad into promotion contenders.

The 37-year-old’s winning mentality has rubbed off on member of Villa’s squad.

Bruce’s praise for his defender is special, and Terry will want to repay his manager with a big performance at Wembley on Saturday.

There is plenty of speculation surrounding Terry’s future, but Saturday’s play-off final comes first. The defender’s Wembley experience could be a big factor in the result.

Aston Villa fans… Let us know your thoughts!