Report: A Villa 2-2 Birmingham

John netted in the fourth minute of injury time as Blues recovered from 2-0 down to earn a point at Villa Park.

"I'm delighted for Stern," Bruce said after seeing his side scramble a point with the 2-2 draw.

"He keeps reminding you every now and again of his ability and he's great to have around the place."

John came off the bench to score only his second of the season.

Bruce added: "I'll never forget the fact he almost single-handedly got us promoted.

"It was his eight goals in 15 games when we snapped him up from Nottingham Forest which made all the difference that season two years ago."

I always thought if we could pull one back then we would have a chance of an equaliser Steve Bruce

The draw means City are unbeaten in four meetings with Villa since they returned to the Premiership 18 months ago.

Bruce launched into his side at half-time after they were totally outplayed in the opening 45 minutes.

Goals from Darius Vassell and Thomas Hitzlsperger looked to have settled the outcome before Mikael Forssell pulled one back to set the scene for John's late heroics.

Bruce said: "A few words were said at half-time and I felt in the first half only three players performed - Forssell, Kenny Cunningham and Maik Taylor.

"But they came out for the second half and got themselves back into the game and it's a great point for us in the end.

"I always thought if we could pull one back then we would have a chance of an equaliser."