Tottenham Hotspur academy coach Bradley Allen has insisted that Tim Sherwood "wouldn't be fazed" by taking over at struggling Aston Villa.

Sherwood is believed to be in advanced talks to succeed Paul Lambert, who was sacked after Villa dropped into the Premier League relegation zone.

The 46-year-old former Spurs and Blackburn Rovers midfielder made a name for himself during a brief spell in charge at White Hart Lane last season, and former colleague Allen has backed him for the Villa vacancy.

"This would be a real challenge for Tim but he wouldn't be fazed by it," Allen is quoted by BBC Sport as saying. "He is a confident guy who believes in his own ability."

"Aston Villa is a club that is steeped in tradition," he added. "Tim would certainly believe he could get them out of it. He did a tremendous job at Tottenham and people have seen that."

First-team coach Scott Marshall will lead Villa in their FA Cup last-16 tie against Leicester City on Sunday.