Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar has said that Tim Sherwood has had a positive impact upon the players since becoming manager.

The former Tottenham Hotspur boss, who took charge in February, has guided Villa into the semi-finals of the FA Cup and revived their fortunes in the Premier League.

Villa now sit three points clear of the bottom three and Vlaar believes that Sherwood deserves credit for the job that he has done so far.

"I haven't had too many sessions with the gaffer and only one game. But I know there's a big difference now at Bodymoor Heath and at Villa Park," Clubcall.com quotes Vlaar as saying.

"There's a lot more energy and positive vibes going through the building. You feel it everywhere and that's a good thing. I think having a laugh and a joke is good and he's the type of manager who likes to do that with his players.

"The stress levels, even with the situation that we're in, are lower than before which makes it easier for everyone to work in this environment."

Villa face Manchester United after the international break.