Steve Bruce has claimed that Birkir Bjarnason is producing the best football of his career, as the Icelandic midfielder helps Aston Villa in their race for promotion in the Sky Bet Championship.  

Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, Bruce has singled out Bjarnason for praise, with the midfielder currently keeping Glenn Whelan out of the starting XI, after a magnificent run of personal form.

Discussing the midfielder’s Villa Park impact, Bruce said: “Someone like Glenn Whelan has not been involved for eight games but Birkir has come in and produced the best football of his career.

“I say it to the squad – this is your chance, perform and you will stay in.”

Bjarnason arrived at Villa Park in January 2017, but struggled to make a positive impact during the early stage of his Villa Park career.

The 29-year-old has now managed to earn Bruce’s trust, playing a part in Villa’s last nine Championship fixtures and helping the club into a position to challenge for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Villa currently sit third in the table, but have seen their top-two hopes dashed in the last week, with Bruce’s side picking up just a single point from fixtures against Fulham and Preston North End.

Bruce’s side are back in action against Sheffield Wednesday today, travelling to Hillsborough this afternoon.

The Verdict

Bjarnason has been immense in recent weeks, proving plenty of his doubters wrong at Villa Park.

Bruce has put faith in the midfielder, who is keeping some talented midfielders out of the starting XI with his form.

Bjarnason has been at the heart of Villa’s midfield during their best run of form, and Bruce should be looking to continue with the personnel who have put Villa on the brink.

Aston Villa fans… Let us know your thoughts!