You couldn’t move for smiling Villans today in training.

The lads were gearing up for this weekend’s clash with Burton Albion.

We face the Brewers on Saturday with a 3pm kick-off.

The mood in camp is superb after seven victories in eight games for the claret and blues – including wins in the last four and the last five at home.

Steve Bruce has overseen a remarkable return to form and was out preparing the lads for the latest encounter.

It was a happy place to be with Jonathan Kodjia, Henri Lansbury, Jordan Amavi and James Chester among the most jovial of the upbeat group.

Bruce believes, in his heart of hearts, that the play-offs are too far away to be achieved this season but wants his team to keep on winning to put the pressure firmly on the teams above.

The pictures, accessed via the icon top right, were taken by club photographer Neville Williams.