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Tim Sherwood has “electrified” Aston Villa’s squad according to midfielder Ashley Westwood.

New boss Sherwood took his first training session on Tuesday after replacing Paul Lambert.

Villa are 18th in the Premier League ahead of Sherwood’s first game in charge at home to Stoke on Sunday. They have not won in 10 top-flight games to slip into the relegation zone.

But Westwood said: “Training was electric and it is down to the gaffer to pick the team.

“Training was sharp, the lads were on it, if we carry that forward we will be fine. It has been good - the lads are all up for it.

“The gaffer has played at the top so hopefully he can give some good tips over.

“You can see that the way he is around the place, he is a strong character and I think that is going to be good for the team.”

Sherwood, 46, helped inspire Villa into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with his half-time teamtalk against Leicester on Sunday even though he was not formally in charge.

Villa have now been drawn to face Midland rivals West Brom at home in the FA Cup last eight.

(Image: Plumb Images)

They host Albion in the Premier League on Tuesday March 3 before hosting Tony Pulis’ side again in the Cup on Saturday March 7.

Westwood added: “We play them on the Tuesday night and then again on the Saturday.

“The atmosphere should be electric, that is what we want to bring to Villa Park now. We have a good chance but I am sure they will fancy their chances as well.”