Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has come to the defence of Alan Hutton after the RIGHT picked up a two-game ban following a nasty challenge on West Brom striker Saido Berhaino.

Hutton was booked during Aston Villa's 2-1 win against West Brom after initially going over the top of the ball as Berahino controlled before appearing to raise his studs into the England Under21 star's upper leg.

The young West Brom frontman was also shown a yellow card after furiously reacting to the challenge by squaring up to the Scotland international.

Alan Hutton appeared to raise his studs into Saido Berahino's leg during Aston Villa's win over West Brom

Berahino goes down in pain on the touchline following Hutton's nasty challenge at Villa Park

Berahino goes down holding his leg as Hutton appears to proceed to move forward with the ball

Hutton and Berahino squared up after the challenge (left) and were both booked by referee Jonathan Moss

Berahino reacts as West Brom defender Joleon Lescott gestures towards Hutton during Villa's victory

Hutton will now miss Aston Villa's next two fixtures having received his tenth booking of the campaign but manager Sherwood believes there was little the defender could do.

Speaking to BT Sport after the match, the Villa manager told the Fletch and Sav Show on BT Sport: ‘When he [Hutton] stretched for the ball, Hutton can't do anything. I think Berahino is unfortunate to be in the way there.’