Aston Villa could welcome back midfielder Conor Hourihane for Tuesday’s clash with Bristol City, Steve Bruce confirmed to the club’s official website.

Hourihane missed Saturday’s 1-0 win over Derby County, Villa’s first victory since their Boxing Day triumph over Burton Albion.

The midfielder joined Villa during the January transfer window, and is yet to taste victory in claret and blue.

Speaking about Hourihane’s absence on Saturday, Bruce said: “Conor got a deadleg in training on Friday. He and Leandro went for a header and Leandro smashed into his thigh.

“But Conor could still be available for Tuesday.”

Bruce also has injury worries over Mile Jedinak, who has recently returned from injury, he continued: “I have to look at people fitness-wise due to playing Saturday and Tuesday.

“Just look at Mile Jedinak. He played on Saturday. But he’s been out for a month.

“He was treading water towards the end. I will look at the lads now physically.”

Jedinak played a vital part in Saturday’s victory over Derby, where a James Chester header handed Bruce’s side a much-needed victory, as pressure began to build at Villa Park.

Villa sit 17^th in the Sky Bet Championship but moved eight-points clear of the relegation zone, easing fears the club could be dragged into a relegation battle.

Bruce’s side face the Bristol City on Tuesday evening, with Lee Johnson’s side also looking to move away from the bottom-three.

Villa fans… Would you bring Hourihane back into the starting 11 on Tuesday? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!