New Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce says he is confident the squad can bounce back from a poor start to the season and challenge for promotion.

The Villains, 8.00 to be promoted this season, currently sit 19th in the Championship table after a shocking start to the campaign.

Roberto Di Matteo only won one game while in charge before being sacked earlier this month, with the club now turning to former Birmingham City coach Bruce.

Bruce left Hull in the summer after guiding them to promotion but he is confident the current squad have enough quality to climb the Championship table.

He told reporters: “I realise that we have to turn this around and I’m quietly confident with the group of players I’ve seen on paper.

“When you look at the squad we are capable of mounting a challenge and that can be this year too. We’re capable of being a very good team.

“They’ve been a little bit unfortunate but certainly the qualities are there and it’s my job to go and get the best out of them.”

With Wolves next up on Saturday, Bruce admits he needs to make an immediate impact, with some fans already frustrated following their start.

He added: “There is going to be [some disconnect] when you’ve been relegated, and this club’s never been relegated before, so it’s new to them.

“We’ve got to try and mend that if we possibly can, and the only way you can do that is by winning a few matches and play a certain style, to show that passion that the people of the Midlands and the people of Birmingham show towards the club. “It’s my job to try and bring that back.”