New Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood delivered a half-time pep talk which inspired the side’s FA Cup victory over Leicester,according to first-team coach Scott Marshall.
The new Villans boss, who this week was appointed the successor to axed chief Paul Lambert, was sat in the stands at Villa Park but had to endure a poor, scrappy opening 45 minutes.
But the hosts looked much improved after the break, with Leandro Bacuna and Scott Sinclair both netting late on to send Villa into the last eight for the first time in five years.
Marshall was the man in charge following Wednesday's sacking of Lambert but admitted Sherwood made his presence felt on Sunday.
"He came in and made a couple of points to the lads, a couple of bits and pieces for everyone. I thought the boys delivered that in the second half and were very good," he said.
"He was there and there was good information to the group, there's a football knowledge there which comes with a lifetime in the game.
"He was in the dressing room before the game briefly, not a huge amount, but he introduced himself and wished the boys the best."
Sherwood did not have any input in the team selection but watched with chief executive Tom Fox after being appointed until 2018 on Saturday.
Marshall is keen to stay on at Villa, after being brought in by Lambert, and will speak to Sherwood about his future.
He said: "The focal point has been the game and preparing the players. I am sure the next few days will take care of itself. The group have been very professional.
"They have delivered on the pitch and showed a great spirit and togetherness. They know they are going to have to take it forward in a league campaign."
And Marshall admitted he had spoken to the axed Lambert ahead of the game at Villa Park.
"He gave me a bit of encouragement for the day and wanted the team to do well and that was it really," he added.
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