Steve Bruce has a real shortage at centre-back having seen John Terry leave and letting Tommy Elphick go out on loan from Aston Villa this season.

This though has given the chance for young Manchester United loanee Axel Tuanzebe, who has impressed Bruce at the heart of the Villa defence in their last outing at Blackburn.

So is Tuanzebe good enough to be starting week in, week out at Villa?

We discuss.....

Alfie Burns

He probably is, but it is the fact he’s replacing John Terry that isn’t doing him any favours.

Terry was massive last season, whilst Tuanzebe is still learning his trade.

Mistakes are expected from the young defender, but the Championship is unforgiving and the mistakes are being punished.

Jay Taylor

He is getting there, and to be honest they don’t have many options so he might just be thrown in at the deep end and hope for the best.

The Manchester United loanee has potential and he will only reach that if he is playing regularly.

He could and should be starting as Steve Bruce needs to find a formula that works.

George Dagless

I think he has to be.

He's never going to improve and fulfil his potential out of position or not playing.

He should get a run at centre-back and Villa should see how he does.

Gary Hutchinson

At the minute he has to be, doesn’t he?

Bruce hasn’t paid attention to his key areas and now he’s short at the back.

Tuanzebe is versatile too, so he can fill in on either flank which only serves to strengthen his claim for a starting place.

The troubles at Villa are not down to the players they have, it’s the ones the don’t have that will cost them.