Gary Gardner: 'Steve Bruce makes Aston Villa players feel unbeatable'

Gary Gardner of Aston Villa moves away with the ball during the pre season friendly match between Swindon Town and Aston Villa at the County Ground on July 21, 2015
© Getty Images
Steve Bruce's appointment as Aston Villa boss has restored the players' confidence and makes them feel like they cannot lose, according to Gary Gardner.

Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner has praised Steve Bruce's appointment as club manager, claiming that the new boss has restored the players' confidence.

The Villans took on bitter rivals Birmingham City on Sunday and were held to a 1-1 draw after Gardner opened the scoring, stretching their unbeaten run under Bruce to four games.

"Every player knows what they're doing now. We feel confident," Gardner told BBC Sport.

"The gaffer's been there and done it - four promotions, and hopefully he can get another one with us. We've worked very hard and it's showing.

"It feels like we can't lose. I know it's funny to say that but it's a good feeling to have. Going into games knowing you've got a better chance of winning than losing is good."

Villa sit 15th in the Championship table following their draw with Birmingham.

Jack Grealish of Aston Villa looks on during a warm- up prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Aston Villa and Stoke City at Villa Park on October 3, 2015
Read Next:
Bruce: 'Villa must help protect Grealish'
>

Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Newcastle UnitedNewcastle16121334132137
2Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton1610422591634
3Huddersfield TownHuddersfield169251718-129
4Reading168442018228
5Norwich CityNorwich168352827127
6Leeds UnitedLeeds168261917226
7Birmingham CityBirmingham166732118325
8Fulham166642318524
9Bristol City167362319424
10Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds167361719-224
11Preston North EndPreston167272220223
12Brentford166462116522
13Barnsley166372724321
14Aston Villa164931716121
15Ipswich TownIpswich165651415-121
16Derby CountyDerby165561213-120
17Queens Park RangersQPR165561722-520
18Burton Albion164661820-218
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves164571921-217
20Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest164482530-516
21Cardiff CityCardiff164391425-1115
22Wigan AthleticWigan163581419-514
23Blackburn RoversBlackburn163491625-913
24Rotherham UnitedRotherham1614111738-217