The Manchester United goalkeeper is on a season-long loan at Villa Park and has impressed between the sticks, conceding just 18 goals in 20 league appearances. 

The Villans face the prospect of having to stump up a fee for Johnstone because United are planning to extend his contract.

The 24-year-old’s current deal at Old Trafford expires at the end of the campaign but an option for a further season is set to be taken up.

Johnstone made eight saves to keep a clean sheet in yesterday’s draw against Millwall.

Asked if it was among the best goalkeeping performances he’s seen, Bruce replied: “It wasn’t that good! Are you a Millwall journo? Or do you just want a headline? I’m too long in the tooth for that! 

“I just thought he was competent in everything he did. I don’t think there was any world class save or any big save. I thought the saves he made I would expect Sam to make. 

“As for extraordinary ones, (Peter) Schmeichel at Newcastle when we (Manchester United) won the league takes some beating.

“I think you know the way I feel about Sam. He’s come on leaps and bounds since he’s been here. 

“He’s a very, very good young goalkeeper and we’ll do our best to keep him.”

Villa’s most famous fan Prince William recently urged Bruce to get a deal for Johnstone over the line.

“He was pleading with me to get Sam Johnstone tied up and make his deal permanent,” Bruce said.

“We're pretty fortunate to have him as one of our big supporters.”