Aston Villa midfielder Tom Cleverley has thanked Tim Sherwood for allowing him to enjoy playing football once again.

The England international, who is on a season-long loan at Villa Park, has experienced an upturn in fortunes since Sherwood took charge of the club in February.

Villa have eased their relegation fears as well as progressing through to the FA Cup final under the watch of the former Tottenham Hotspur boss, and Cleverley believes that a large part of this is down to the offensive manner of play adopted in recent weeks.

"He has brought an attacking style of football. At times we gamble, and it is a case of entertaining the fans and that's what was needed to bring back to the football club," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"Along with some fantastic defensive displays, we are good to watch and it's a great team to play in. I'm playing with four fantastic midfielders here so it's an absolute pleasure to play with them every week and I'm really enjoying my football."

Villa return to league action next weekend when they take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.