Source: SKY_Sports
O'Neill backs Carew to shine
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has praised striker John Carew and backs him to better his goal tally this season.
The big Norwegian netted 15 goals in all competitions last season despite spending three months on the sidelines through injury and O'Neill believes Carew can banish his injury woes and fire Villa up the table.
"We have all got to know John in his two-and-a-half years here at Villa and you know that when he is fully fit and wound up he is an absolute handful," said O'Neill.
"He has not only proved it here at Villa but on the European scene. Teams do not like playing against him because he is so strong.
"I've often said that he possesses more ability than he thinks he has himself. He is pivotal to Villa.
"He was unfit for three months last season but still finished high up among the goals. With a bit of luck he can steer clear of serious injury this season.
"He is a definitely an asset to us. Last season he went a long way towards proving himself. At the end of the season his goals helped him.
"It gave him an insight into what he is capable of doing in the Premiership."
Should Carew stay fit, O'Neill has a balanced strikeforce of youth and experience and with the right service the former Celtic boss feels his side will provide a potent goalscoring threat.
"We have Gabby Agbonlahor, Emile Heskey, Carew and I think young Nathan Delfouneso will come through as well," he added.
"If we can keep them fit then I definitely feel there are goals in the team. They will also have the service from the likes of Ashley Young and James Milner.
"I am hoping that some midfield player will also come up and maybe score 10 goals.
"We are certainly capable of scoring but unfortunately we were also capable of shipping in a few as well and I know that we need to improve our home record.
"We only lost three times (at home) last season in the league but we drew a lot of matches. We should have won more.
"If I could guarantee the away record I would take it gladly. But we have to improve defensively to give ourselves a chance."
Villa host Wigan on Saturday's Premier League opening day and O'Neill is weary of the threat new Latics boss Roberto Martinez brings to Villa Park.
"I am excited by the new season. One has hopes and aspirations," said O'Neill.
"Wigan have a new boss but saying that I know there is probably three quarters of the team that I still know and some of the players he has brought to the club I know as well.
"For instance the lad Jason Scotland played in the SPL when I was manager at Celtic and he played against us.
"I am familiar with most of their players but it is a new time for Wigan. Their record at Villa Park since I've been here has been very good and I would like to do something about it.
"I think it will be a difficult season but it will still be worthwhile. I accept that Manchester City have thrown down the gauntlet to the sides around them.
"But it should not prevent us from thinking that we can achieve and be up there."
