Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce believes that his previous experiences with the Championship playoffs stand him in good stead this time around.

Villa are among the four teams hoping they can get into the Premier League for next season through the playoffs.

They are facing off against Middlesborough in the semi-final. The first leg takes place at Boro on Saturday.

Bruce said to Sky Sports: "I've been in this position before and been successful so the experience helps you. In both (Birmingham and Hull) they've been totally different.

"You can't predict it but the one thing you have to be able to do is perform.

"I think we've got the right experience - we've certainly picked players who can handle playing for Aston Villa and hopefully their experience will get us over the line and where we want to be."