Former Aston Villa striker Tony Cascarino has urged the board to be patient with manager Steven Gerrard.

While admitting Villa have been "difficult" to watch this season, Cascarino also cited three key injuries as a reason why Gerrard has been "unlucky" since arriving at Villa Park. He believes the manager is able to turn it round, though, if he is given time.

"I think they should take a leaf out of Arsenal's book, Villa, and hang in there a bit," Cascarino said on talkSPORT.

"I hope the Villa faithful do because he (Gerrard) has been a little bit unfortunate. Leon Bailey had an injury last year, (Boubacar) Kamara this year. Diego Carlos has come in: bad injury.

"Three big players, three big signings for the football club. I'd like to think he'd turn it round. I just think it's a tad too early (to talk about sacking Gerrard).

"It has been a difficult watch, to be honest, the Villa. This season most definitely. I just hope they give that little bit more time for Gerrard to try and turn things around. It's a tough one, I know that."