Former Aston Villa midfielder Paul Merson has expressed his belief that Tim Sherwood is the right man to guide the club to Premier League safety.

The former Tottenham Hotspur boss was appointed as Paul Lambert's successor at Villa Park on Saturday.

Merson is confident that Sherwood can do a good job with limited financial resources.

"Over a long distance, I think Sherwood is the right man for the job at Villa," Merson told Sky Sports News. "They haven't got any money at the moment and they're going to have work with young players and Tim doesn't mind throwing younger players into the team, as we saw during his time at Spurs.

"He had a very good record at Tottenham, but he a lot better quality of player to work with at Spurs than he will have at Aston Villa, believe me on that one. That's where the hard work will come in.

"Over the distance, I'm glad Tim's come back in and he will give the youngsters the chance. Villa have got a very good academy and I'm sure he'll try to utilise that."

Villa are currently in the relegation zone on goal difference.