Bruce Wants To Keep Johnstone

Steve Bruce wants to keep on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone at Aston Villa next season.

The 24-year-old has impressed in recent weeks with four clean sheets in Villa's past five matches.

With David de Gea and Sergio Romero firmly entrenched as United's number one and two options in goal, Bruce is hoping to convince Jose Mourinho that Johnstone's development will be best served by playing regular football in the Championship.

Bruce told Villa's official website: "I am going to see Mr Mourinho.

"Everyone agrees that Sam needed to go and play football. The difference between him now and three months ago is there for all to see.

"He's grown into the role. He's now more comfortable in the role - and he's got that from playing.

"We have given him that platform to play.

"If there's an opportunity that we can get him to play more next season I would love to do it.

"I will be having that conversation with Mr Mourinho when the time is right. But I hope we can extend it."

Credit: Skysports.com