Kevin MacDonald: 'Confidence a big issue at Aston Villa'

Aston Villa caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald has admitted that confidence is becoming a "big issue" at the managerless club.

The 54-year-old was put in temporary charge of the West Midlands outfit after Tim Sherwood's sacking and oversaw their 2-1 defeat by Southampton in the League Cup on Wednesday.

MacDonald told BBC Sport: "Confidence is a big issue. Nobody likes being bottom of the league. The players are hurting for Tim but we can't wallow in self pity.

"It's definitely a big job because we're bottom of the league, but we've got some good players and it's a well-run club. Once we get the first win it'll be like a snowball - it'll get bigger and bigger."

Former Lyon manager Remi Garde is said to be the favourite to take over at the Premier League's basement side.