Former Aston Villa striker Kevin Phillips has backed manager Alex McLeish to turn the club's fortunes around.
The 38-year-old, who spent three season under the Scot at Birmingham City, insists that McLeish should remain at Villa Park.
"For me, he is the right man but obviously making that jump across the city [is hard]. I'd love to see him [stay] in the job," he told talkSPORT.
"Let's hopefully stay in the Premier League and if he's got a few quid to spend in the summer he'll spend it wisely and hopefully Villa will come back twice as strong next year."
Villa, who have endured a troubled season, lie in 15th place in the Premier League table with a three-point cushion against the drop zone.
"I played for Aston Villa for a year and went to Birmingham so I know what the rivalry is like and I know what the supporters are like. They demand such high things at Villa," he continued.
"It's a fantastic club and at the moment they are fighting relegation. It would be an absolute disaster if they went down. You just hope they get over that finishing line come the end of the season and they're still in the Premier League."
Villa take on West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League at the Hawthorns this afternoon.
Mark Langshaw
