Jedinak tips Bruce to lead Villa back to the top
EXCLUSIVE: Australia captain Mile Jedinak is convinced Aston Villa can turn a dire start to the season into an instant Premier League return under promotion specialist Steve Bruce.
The midfield general also knows what it takes to escape the Championship's gravitational pull, having led former club Crystal Palace to the top tier three years ago.
The teaming of Bruce and Jedinak looks a match made in heaven for Villa, which has picked up seven points from a possible nine to move to within six points of the play-off places in the wake of Roberto Di Matteo's sacking.
"If we can get straight back up it will be a massive thing for the club," Jedinak said. "That's what we are all striving for and all looking forward to.
"It's by no means easy and it's not meant to be.
"It's going to be a monumental team effort. But I feel we have the depth in our squad to be successful.
"Steve, with his experience has come in, and has hit the ground running.
"And we as players have to make sure we shoulder some of the responsibility."
That commitment and tenacity will be needed in spades for Sunday's (AEDT) grudge derby against Birmingham City at St Andrews - the first League meeting between the sides since 2011.
"It's a big game for the fans and the players and it will be very important for us to build on the momentum we've generated under the new manager," Jedinak said. 'I'm looking forward to it and I know we're all going to be up for it."
The arrival Jedinak, 32, on a three-year contract in August, was a statement of intent by Villa, which is desperate to bounce straight back to where it feels it belongs.
Jedinak is harnessing every fibre of his renowned leadership qualities to infuse his teammates with the belief to make that a reality.
"I am trying to use my experience to help out the best way I can. It's something that tests you every day," he said. "I am trying to pass that knowledge on in certain areas , it doesn't happen overnight but the boys are getting into the right habits and that's positive to see.
"We have a good bunch of lads who are putting in the hard yards to get us to where we want to be.
"We are not the finished product but if we can help each other along the way we will see where it gets us."
While Eagles fans were sorry to see their captain depart, Jedinak is keen to embrace his new chapter rather than dwell nostalgically on his five years at Selhurst Park.
"I had great times there, a great fondness for the fans and the club and many terrific memories because we went through a lot together as a team and as a club," he said. "But I have embraced a new challenge now.
"An opportunity came to join Villa and it was a case of 'do we, or don't we?' And I decided to go with it.
"The time had come to move on and now I have done that I haven't really looked back and I am not trying to look back.
"I am going to put everything into my time here to try and bring success back to Villa Park."
