‘‘We’ve got a big final coming up next week,’’ Bruce told ITV Sport.

‘‘I’m delighted for my staff, the supporters and the players. They have been told they haven’t got the bottle.’’

Bruce had seen Trinidad and Tobago international John miss a one-on-one with Millwall keeper Tony Warner before scoring from close range from Steve Vickers’ low cross.

‘‘We kept creating chances and the onus was on Millwall to keep attacking us,’’ added Bruce.

‘‘It makes up for the disappointment of last year when they lost.’’

Bruce, who took over as manager in mid-season following the sacking of Trevor Francis, praised his team for standing up against Millwall.

‘‘They stood up and never got intimidated. They were real men out there.’’

Bruce singled out Vickers and also Olivier Tebily who moved from defence to play in midfield.

‘‘I thought Steve Vickers was magnificent considering he had been three months out injured.

‘‘I thought Olivier Tebily was great in midfield. We put Olivier in there, it’s the first time since he played once for me there about three years ago (at Sheffield United).

‘‘It’s all credit to the players, my staff and the people who have backed me.

‘‘That’s a reward for all the hard work we’ve done.’’

Bruce also looked forward to facing his old club because of the strong connections between his staff and the Carrow Road outfit.

‘‘It has to be Norwich with my connections, and also Mark Bowen, John Benson and Keith Bertschin.’’