Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce has said that he is "honoured" to have welcomed Prince William into the dressing room prior to Tuesday's 1-0 win over Cardiff City.

The royal was spotted in the stands alongside former striker John Carew during the Villans' slender victory, which came via a Jack Grealish strike late on at Villa Park.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Bruce jokingly suggested that the Duke of Cambridge had a say in the team selection and also issued a rousing talk to inspire the players.

"We are honoured that the future king is an Aston Villa fan," he said. "He popped into the dressing room tonight, did the team talk, picked the team and it worked wonders. It was good to see him. We have given him a ticket for the next game!"

Villa's win lifts them to within five points of the top two with four games of their season left to play.