Jack Butland has piled the praise on Sam Johnstone, describing the on-loan Aston Villa goalkeeper as a real talent.

The England goalkeeper has been discussing Johnstone’s form for Villa in the Sky Bet Championship this season, with the World Cup hopeful clearly impressed with what he has seen from the on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper.

Butland, formerly of Birmingham City, was speaking at the launch of the UEFA European Under-17 Championships – as reported by the Birmingham Mail – when he made reference to Johnstone’s form in Villa’s push for promotion in the Championship.

The 25-year-old said: “Defensively, they (Villa) have been excellent this season and a lot of that is down to Sam.

“He is a real talent.”

Johnstone has been key to putting Villa into the race for promotion this season, with the goalkeeper conceding on just 37 occasions in his 38 appearances and keeping 15 clean sheets.

Villa currently sit fourth in the Championship table, with Bruce’s side firmly in the hunt for promotion ahead of the final eight fixtures of the season.

Prior to this week’s international break, Villa suffered back-to-back defeats, which dented their hopes of automatic promotion.

Defeats to Queens Park Rangers and Bolton Wanderers have left Bruce’s side seven points adrift of second, with Cardiff City in pole position now to claim automatic promotion during the run-in.

The Verdict

It is good to see Johnstone getting credit for his form at Villa Park this season, particularly from Butland, who has been through a similar career path to the 24-year-old.

Johnstone has benefitted from two separate spells with Villa and now looks ready to take the step up to the Premier League.

Bruce’s side have relied on Johnstone at times this season, and the Villa boss will hope the goalkeeper can continue his form over the course of the run-in.

Aston Villa fans… Let us know your thoughts!