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Steve Bruce says he has been waiting for a long time for an opportunity like managing Aston Villa.

Former Manchester United captain Bruce, 55, who left Hull in July, succeeded Roberto di Matteo, who was sacked on 3 October, at Villa Park.

Bruce took over with Villa 19th in the Championship table, but they now lie 11th, only four points short of the play-off places.

"I've probably waited 20 years for an opportunity like this one," he told Mark Chapman and Andy Townsend on 5 live Sport.

"I've been around the block for a long, long time but this opportunity was one of those mouth-watering no-brainers."

Bruce has previously managed Sheffield United, Huddersfield, Wigan, Crystal Palace, Birmingham, Sunderland and Hull in an 18-year managerial career.