Sign up NOW for our daily Villa newsletter direct to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Leandro Bacuna reckons a jovial Bodymoor Heath has helped lift Aston Villa away from the bottom three.

Boss Tim Sherwood has transformed the training ground into an enjoyable environment and the players are starting to respond.

This month the claret and blues have won three out of their four games as Sherwood’s optimistic outlook begins to rub off on the previously under-performing team.

There’s still a long way to go before survival is guaranteed but Bacuna firmly believes the only way is up.

When asked about the impact that Sherwood and his new coaching team have made, Bacuna told avtv:

“They make a lot of jokes which is very good for team spirit.

“Small things have been changed and that’s good for the team.

“We’re more confident now.

“If it’s not going well then sometimes people can hide but if you have confidence you can take on anything.

“We know that if we win some games we can go high (up in the table).”

Despite the weekend’s defeat to Swansea, Villa have been playing with an added confidence.

PICTURES - Villa v Swansea: Action from Villa Park:

Sherwood’s relaxed demeanour has clearly helped and the bounce after the double-derby success could end up being the saviour of the season.

For Bacuna, he too, is rejuvenated having struggled to get a look-in under former boss Paul Lambert.

His attacking intent has been a key component to Villa’s mini-revival and he admits he’s enjoying his run in the side.

“Every player has had a new chance,” he said.

“For me I can show what I can do and be a part of the team.

“That’s good for your own feeling because you can have more minutes and you need that to be confident in yourself.”

The former Groningen ace has started the last three games and featured in the last five.

Although he appears to favour a midfield role he’s done a fine job as a full-back in recent times and has been among the goals and assists.

“The team is together at the moment,” he added.

“Christian is back scoring goals, Gabby got two the other week and Charles N’Zogbia is working hard to get his chance.

“Now we just take each game as it comes.”