Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has hailed the transfer market work of Martin O'Neill at Aston Villa.

Bruce is tipping Villa to gatecrash the top four this season.

He said: "The money for James Milner at the time and the money for Ashley Young - they are cheap at half the price now, aren't they?

"[Stewart] Downing is very, very shrewd - and he bought him when he was in a pot.

"Not many would have done that because of the complications, but he was convinced that he was the right player for them, and he is an excellent player.

"And they have probably got them for the next 10 years if they want them.

"Martin has been very, very shrewd, he has always bought well. Defensively as well, they are always big and strong and solid, and they have got that particular look about them now."