Steve Bruce has plenty of experience in the Sky Bet Championship, and knows how to win promotion from the division, but the 2017/18 season could be one that defines his managerial career, as he aims to take Aston Villa back to the Premier League.

The 56-year old has a talented squad at his disposal, yet that same squad only managed a 13^th placed finish in the Championship last season, and only John Terry has been added to that group of players so far

Villa are reportedly on a tight budget, as they look to avoid any Financial Fair Play punishment, meaning Bruce has his hands tied to a certain extent.

One player currently at Bruce’s disposal is Ross McCormack, and the Scottish striker is a man who could give Villa an extra dimension heading into next season, should player and manager put their difference aside.

A public falling out last season saw McCormack shipped out on-loan to Nottingham Forest, but there is no doubting the 30-year old’s ability in the Championship, with him showing his class during spells with Leeds United and Fulham.

Last season Villa were far too reliant on the 19 goals of Jonathan Kodjia, with McCormack during the first-half of the season and Scott Hogan during the second, not providing the Ivorian with enough support to mount a play-off challenge.

If McCormack can rediscover the form that saw him score 66 goals across three seasons for Leeds and Fulham, he could become a big player at Villa Park, despite his troubles during his first 12-months.

Bruce undoubtedly has a task on his hands - particularly with a limited budget - and appears to be turning to experience for the 2017/18 season to lead Villa in a promotion hunt.

Should the manager put his troubles with McCormack to one side, and give the striker a clean run of games in the Villa first-team, the experienced Scotsman could play a crucial part in helping them back to the Premier League.