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Steve Bruce pulled off a masterstroke by re-introducing Gary Gardner into his midfield set-up - but then claimed his team selection was all pot luck!

The new Aston Villa boss made five changes in the 2-1 win at Reading with Gardner standing out as the best performer.

An all-action display in the heart of midfield justified Bruce’s decision to leave long-serving Ashley Westwood and Aaron Tshibola, who returned to his former club, on the bench.

When asked if he was pleased with the team he selected, Bruce replied:

“I have to say that I’m just picking balls out of a hat.

“I’ve only had four training sessions so it’s early days.

“But it’s fair to say that within a week I think they understand what I want. I’ve made that pretty obvious.

“Let’s hope this win is the first of a few.”

Bruce did reserve extra praise for Gardner who made his first start in six weeks as Villa finally banished their away-day blues.

After watching the 24-year-old play a part in both of Villa’s goals and also put in a disciplined display to stifle the Reading attack, the manager said:

“I wanted to have a look at a few people and Gary was one who hadn’t been involved much recently.

“He put in a terrific performance. He was excellent.”

The midfielder is now expected to keep his place in the team for the home game against Fulham.

His effort and enthusiasm was not lost on Bruce and Gardner also showed his durability by ploughing forward late in the game to set up Jordan Ayew in what proved to be the decisive attack of the game.

A change of manager could be the boost that the local lad needs and Bruce has already explained that any player who puts in the graft will be rewarded.