Steve Bruce has led Aston Villa to a mini-revival since his appointment three games ago, with the Midlands yet to lose under the experienced stewardship of their new boss.

Now six points shy of the play-off spots, Bruce needs to continue this run of form and revitalise the players into a promotion push.

Good performances lead to confidence and the former Manchester United man has ticked that objective off already, but others need a bit of love to perform.

Different characters need different support and some members of the Aston Villa squad may be in need of a confidence boost which, once received, could lead them to become a key part in the club's season.

Considering the nature of their season in the Premier League just a few months ago, the ex-Sunderland and Wigan coach needs to restore feelings of optimism back into the ranks.

After a fiery draw with arch-rivals Birmingham City, it's important to keep the relative momentum going at Villa Park.

Hit Bruce below to see TWO players who need a lot more love from the manager!

Jack Grealish

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21-year-old Jack Grealish has already shown himself to be a bright spark in Aston Villa's campaign this season, scoring two goals and grabbing one assist in his ten appearances thus far.

Still, the youngster could be thrust into much better performances with the right support.

Tipped as one of the brightest prospects within English football, Grealish is the sort of player who could lead Aston Villa to promotion if he's pointed in the right direction.

The academy graduate is approaching 40 league appearances for Villa since making his debut two-years ago and he should now be targeting more consistency.

Jordan Ayew

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The 25-year-old Ghanian international amassed over 100 appearances in Ligue 1 with Marseille but never quite found his feet in front of goal, scoring just 14 in those matches.

Since joining Villa, Ayew has nine in 43 appearances but only two have come this season.

Ayew has contributed with a further three assists in his 13 appearances this season but he should provide more of a goal threat, which he may do if given the right push by Steve Bruce.

Boasting 37 appearances for Ghana, the well-experienced international has the ability to tear the second-tier of English football alight- he just needs to sort himself out a bit first.