Jedinak's Villa boosted by Derby loss

A missed opportunity by Derby County has boosted Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak and Aston Villa's chances of returning to the English Premer League.

The Birmingham-based outfit had its position inside the English Championship's automatic promotion zone consolidated on Wednesday (AEDT) after third-placed Derby side fell to a 2-0 defeat to mid-table Sheffield Wednesday.

Second-placed Villa are now alone on 59 points, one clear of Derby and Cardiff City, who eased past relegation-threatened Bolton Wanderers 2-0.

The high-flying trio are the main contenders to join runaway leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers in next season's top division.

Derby dominated possession but struggled to find a cutting edge until the closing stages - long after Lucas Joao scored in either half for the hosts.

Wednesday FC's victory was first in the league since manager Jos Luhukay took over on January 5.

Derby and Cardiff hold a six-point lead over Fulham and Bristol City, who occupy the other promotion playoff places.