Aston Villa midfielder Tom Cleverley believes that he is getting back to his best form under new boss Tim Sherwood.

The Villans won back-to-back matches over West Bromwich Albion to lift themselves out of the bottom three in the Premier League and to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Cleverley played an important role in the victories, and he feels that the attacking licence Sherwood has given the team has revived him as a player and the club over the past few weeks.

He told the club's official website: "Around January, I wasn't pleased with my form. I didn't do myself justice. But now I feel like I am getting back into a good rhythm. Now it's about getting into that good consistent groove.

"I have a slightly different role in the team. I am playing centrally again. I think, too, that everyone is getting fitter and training is harder. I certainly feel good about myself - and so does everyone else.

"I have been given more licence to get forward but that's the same with everyone. The manager wants all the lads to be more positive. He has the mindset that winning one and losing one is better than drawing two. He likes to play football with a bit of a gamble and it's certainly paying off."

Villa face Sunderland in a crucial relegation clash at the Stadium of Light later today.