Both players moved to Villa Park last January but struggled for form as the Villans limped home to a mid-table Championship finish. 

Midfielder Hourihane has been one of the team’s star performers this term but striker Hogan remains an enigma. 

Bruce believes Hogan has struggled to adapt to Villa’s high expectations but he is not giving up on the £12million man.

“I think it’s hard, no disrespect to Brentford, Barnsley, but this is a different kettle to those clubs where there’s no real expectation,” he said.

“Staying in the division is probably the expectation, with that they can flourish.

“But when you come to Aston Villa you are under the pump, under the cosh, under the spotlight straight away, big demands.

“That’s what playing for this club is, big club, big expectations - that becomes difficult for people, two or three have found it difficult.

“But we’ve seen with Hourihane, how he’s picked up and done well, but we hope Scotty can do that too.”

Hogan is yet to score a league goal this term and recently spent time on the sidelines after undergoing stomach surgery. 

“He’s been struck down with all sorts,” said Bruce. “Just when he’s got going, he turned his ankle over at Newcastle and a couple of times at Villa Park.”

Hogan could start against Sheffield United on Saturday (5.30pm) and Bruce has challenged him to fill the void left by injury-victim Jonathan Kodjia. 

“It’s been a tough time for Scott, but can he now be the one that gives us the lift that everyone’s looking for?” the Villa boss said.

“I keep saying it but you are only as good as your strikers. We brought him to the club this time last year so let’s hope this is his time.”