Carew fit for opening day clash

Aug 9 2007 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

JOHN Carew has given Villa a boost by declaring his intentions to line up in front a sell-out home crowd for the season's opener against Liverpool.

The 27-year-old Norwegian international has been niggled by a groin injury picked up in training on Villa's return from their North American tour which has forced him out of the last three friendlies.

Carew only managed 65 minutes of pre-season action but he insists he is progressing nicely.

"I've struggled with my fitness recently, but I had a good vacation and I feel strong," he said. "I still have some work ahead but I've been training hard every day and hopefully I'll be 100 per cent when the season starts."

Carew banged in three goals in eleven starts for Villa after arriving as a January swap for Milan Baros.

He is relishing the new season and admits Villa have big expectations.

"I'm looking forward to starting again in the Premiership, it should be interesting. It's my first full season at Villa so its very exciting for me but for the team as well as we all have high hopes.

"Its' a difficult league and we have to be right at our best from the start, but I'm looking forward to it."

Carew says competition for places, certainly lacking elsewhere, can keep the strikers on their toes as five players chase two or perhaps three places per game.

"It's always good for a manager to have a lot of players to choose from and we certainly have that up front at the moment. We have a strong team and a lot of choices, depending on one or two players, which is good.

"It's early days, but Luke Moore looked particularly strong on tour and I hope he can take that into the Premier League when the season starts.

"He's got the ability and what it takes to become a regular Premier League scorer, absolutely."