Aston Villa midfielder Ashley Westwood has claimed that the arrival of new manager Tim Sherwood has already had an impact on the squad.

Sherwood was named as Paul Lambert's successor at the weekend, and watched from the stands as Villa booked a spot in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win over Leicester City.

After training under the former Tottenham Hotspur boss for the first time, Westwood was quick to praise his influence on the players.

"Training was electric and it is down to the gaffer to pick the team," the 24-year-old told reporters. "Training was sharp, the lads were on it, if we carry that forward we will be fine. It has been good - the lads are all up for it.

"The gaffer has played at the top so hopefully he can give some good tips over.

"You can see that the way he is around the place, he is a strong character and I think that is going to be good for the team."

Villa meet Stoke City on Sunday afternoon.