OPINION
Aston Villa now look set to go through the ordeal of the play-offs at the end of the season as the automatic spots look a stretch beyond them.
However, Steve Bruce’s side are right in the mix for promotion back to the Premier League and will have to come through three matches to make the top flight if they finish inside the top six.
The manager will be looking around his dressing room for characters that can deal with the pressure of the semi-finals and final, and he should be delighted with that he sees.
Villa captain John Terry is the perfect man to lead his side into battle and has the big-game experience that should be worth its weight in gold.
The defender has thrived during his first season in the Championship and silenced a lot of doubters that questioned whether he had passed it.
He has been an integral part of the side this campaign and made 29 appearances across all competitions, while forming a solid partnership alongside James Chester at centre-back.
Terry has played in top domestic and international competitions, which is why his mentality should give teammates a big lift going into the play-offs.
The no-nonsense centre-back will be able to guide his side through the immense pressure that comes with a play-off match and he usually rises to the big occasion.
He has decided to try a new venture during the latter stages of his career and so far is coming through with flying colours.