Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan was sorry to see Alex McLeish sacked.

Bannan, 22, was a bit-part player under McLeish last season as Villa toiled badly.

But he told the Scottish Sun: "It has been well documented a lot of the Villa fans were not happy with the manager.

"The circumstances in which he joined us and the fact we've not enjoyed a good season all counted against him. I have to be honest and say from my point of view Alex McLeish was terrific with me.

"That might seem a bit strange given I didn't play every week, but I couldn't say a bad word against him. Alex was knowledgeable and a nice guy to deal with.

"From the first day he came into Villa I worked hard to prove I should be in his team.

"It didn't always work out that way, but I gave it my best shot."