Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood is keen to 'free up' Tom Cleverley.

Some sections of Villa Park have booed him in the past but his performances have picked up since old boss Paul Lambert was sacked.

"I've had a few chats with him and I don't know whether he felt like he had the shackles on him before, but he certainly hasn't now," said Sherwood.

"He's free to roam and get on the ball and make us play because that's what we need. We need as many brave players as possible to go and get the ball.

"I haven't recognised he's getting stick but when you have been hailed as the next Paul Scholes it puts a lot of pressure on you doesn't it?

"Tom Cleverley is a player in his own right. He's only young and he's got a big future ahead of him."