Tim Sherwood 'proud of approach' to cup clash against Birmingham City

Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood has talked up his side's adaptability after they eventually saw off Birmingham City in the third round of the League Cup.

The Villans claimed the bragging rights in the Birmingham derby following Rudy Gestede's second-half goal, but the win did not come without some strong resistance from Gary Rowett's men.

"We came here on a hiding to nothing tonight. I was proud how we went about it, we tried to play two different ways," said Sherwood, according to BBC Sport.

"In the first half we wanted to go very direct and in the second half to get between the lines and they could not cope when Jack Grealish got between the lines.

"We always want to play fast-flowing football but we can't always do that."

Villa return to Premier League action on Saturday when they face Liverpool at Anfield.