Aston Villa appear to be getting themselves back on the straight and narrow under the stewardship of Steve Bruce, with his arrival sparking a revival within the Villa ranks.

It was a miserable start to life in the Championship under Roberto Di Matteo and the club’s poor start to the season saw the Italian manager fall on his sword and dismissed.

Villa’s 2-0 defeat to Leeds United last weekend was their first loss in seven games under the former Hull City manager and there is a real sense around the West Midlands-based club, that they can force their way into contention for the play-offs between now and the end of the campaign.

The January transfer window probably can’t come quick enough for Bruce and he will no doubt look to add some of his own players to a squad which is already brimming with talent.

Football League World writer Lee Clarke looks at two members of the current squad who Bruce will be looking to get more out of given their recent performances.

Ross McCormack

The Scottish striker signed for Villa during the summer for £12 million from Championship club Fulham, with McCormack identified as the man to spearhead the club’s charge back to the top flight.

The 30-year-old has scored just twice in the league this season and looks incredibly short on confidence at this moment in time.

McCormack will need to start hitting the back of the net soon if he is to retain a place in Bruce’s squad and the sooner he rediscovers his very best form the better it will be for the player.

Pierluigi Gollini

The Italian stopper joined Villa during the summer from Italian outfit Hellas Verona but he is yet to hit top form.

The 21-year-old has been erratic at times and has looked genuinely uncomfortable when coming to claim balls out of the sky.

Steve Bruce will understand the importance of having a solid goalkeeper and the ex-Manchester United trainee will need to up his game over the coming weeks, if he is to retain the gloves following the January transfer window.

Aston Villa fans, who else needs to improve their performances? Let us know in the comments below!!!