Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has admitted that the team are "looking forward" to facing Birmingham City in the League Cup.

The two arch rivals will meet for the first time in four years in the third round of the competition at Villa Park on Tuesday evening.

Villa currently sit 17th in the Premier League after winning just one out of their first six games, and Sherwood is hoping that the cup match will be a welcome distraction for his players.

"It's a great occasion and we're looking forward to it," he told BBC Sport.

"It's been a difficult start to the season points wise and it's a good way to send our fans home happy because they've not had many of those this season."

Villa lost 1-0 at home to Midlands rivals West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.