Aston Villa captain James Chester has praised goalkeeper, Sam Johnstone, for his performance in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Wigan Athletic, reports the Birmingham Mail.

Johnstone, made a string of saves to keep Steve Bruce’s side in the contest, as goals from Chester and Scott Hogan sealed victory at the DW Stadium.

Bruce brought Johnstone to Villa Park during the January transfer window, from Manchester United, but he suffered a miserable start to his Villa career, failing to record a victory in his first eight appearances.

Speaking after Saturday’s victory, Chester reflected on Johnstone’s difficult start, along with his recent upturn in form, he told the Birmingham Mail: “We are all really pleased for Sam. Everyone went over to congratulate him at the end of the game for the save he made at 1-0.

“It was a difficult start for him here and I don’t think we helped him, we were all over the place at some points.

“I’m delighted for him. He is showing what a really good keeper he is and I am sure he has a bright future ahead.”

Johnstone’s arrival at Villa coincided with Bruce’s side flirting with the relegation zone in the Sky Bet Championship, but the 23-year old has played a major part in the club’s resurgence.

Bruce’s side have won five from their last six, conceding just one goal, a run of form which has seen Villa climb to 12^th in the Championship table and looking to finish the 2016/17 campaign positively.

Villa fans… How important was Johnstone’s performance in Saturday’s victory? Let us know in the comments!