Aston Villa’s season looks like taking off, with Steve Bruce’s side currently sitting second in the Sky Bet Championship table and in pole position to clinch the second automatic promotion place.

Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Birmingham City in the Second City derby elevated Bruce’s side into the top-two, with the expectation now on Villa to push on and secure a return to the Premier League.

Bruce has a talented squad at his disposal, and in recent weeks has used a select group of players in the Championship, who have managed to deliver a return of seven consecutive victories.

A key part of that line-up has been Alan Hutton, who has the ability to play at both right-back and left-back.

However, despite Hutton’s impressive contribution recently, Villa are unlikely to retain the defender’s service in the summer, with reports confirming he is likely to leave Villa Park on a free.

Here at FLW, we take a look at two possible replacements for the 33-year-old…

Bardsley, like Hutton, is an experienced defender, who is now entering the twilight of his career.

The 32-year-old is currently at Burnley, and has made 13 Premier League appearances at Turf Moor so far this season.

If Bruce wants to take a similar route when Hutton departs, bringing somebody like Bardsley in could be a shrewd move, as he can replace the experience and quality lost.

Alternatively Villa could bring another promising full-back into their side to replace Hutton, with Justin one of the Football League’s standout youngsters.

Justin has been impressive for Luton in League Two, with the 18-year-old’s performances slowly attracting attention from higher up the footballing ladder.

Although Justin wouldn’t replace Hutton’s experience, you could argue it would be a shrewd investment from Villa to bring the teenager in.