ASTON VILLA manager Steve Bruce is hell-bent on securing a permanent deal for Manchester United’s Sam Johnstone.
Goalkeeper Johnstone, 24, re-joined Villa on a season-long loan from United in the summer transfer window.
He has never made a senior appearance for the Red Devils but still has another year left on his contract.
And former United captain Bruce is keen to keep Johnstone at Villa Park.
“We will do everything in our power to get him here permanently,” he said.
“He is going to find it difficult at United to break through because of what they have got so we are hopeful.”
Villa continued their charge up the Championship table thanks to a 2-1 win against Fulham on Saturday.
John Terry scored his first goal for the club before Johnstone was beaten by a Stefan Johansen free-kick.
Albert Adomah fired Villa back in front in the second half before Johnstone redeemed himself with a fine stop from Floyd Ayite.
“I know he was disappointed with their goal,” Bruce said of the United loanee. “It’s understandable because it has gone in his side. But his save is as good a save as I have seen for a very long time.
“It was up there with the De Gea save, a reflex stop.
“Sam has done fantastic in the last 12 months. It is typical of a young player.
“It took him time to adapt but given time he looks a very, very good goalkeeper.”
Fulham put in a sub-par display at Villa Park and keeper David Button said: “Away from home teams are going to be strong and physical. We’ve got to stand up to that.
“We are fine on the ball because we have got the quality of players to be that way. But we need to make sure we are hard to beat.”
Source:www.express.co.uk