John Carew: We'll get InterToTo job done for Aston Villa
JOHN Carew insists Villa will bounce back from their late InterToto Cup frustration to overcome Odense in the return leg at Villa Park.
Last season’s 13-goal top scorer carried on where he left off with a clinical finish to put Martin O’Neill’s men in front at the Fionia Park stadium.
It took Carew just seven minutes of the new campaign to open his account by firing into the roof of the net from close range.
And even though Odense hit back to snatch a dramatic draw, Carew is convinced Villa still have the upper hand in the third-round tie.
“We knew it was going to be a difficult game because Odense were playing at home in front of an enthusiastic public,” said the big Norwegian.
“We got a good start but they came back, we scored again but they came back again. It was a good game but unfortunately we didn’t win.
“It is early in the season and this was a difficult game for us after just two weeks back in training. But we got two goals away from home so that is very positive.
“It was a good start to the game for us; it was just a pity we didn’t go onto win the game. But the two away goals mean it was an OK result in the end.”
Carew hailed fellow Scandinavian Martin Laursen, who crowned a fine captain’s performance by heading what looked to be the winning goal until Odense’s late leveller.
And he believes the Danish defender and the rest of O’Neill’s UEFA Cup hopefuls are confident of completing the job in front of their own fans.
“I was pleased for Martin Laursen to get a goal,” added Carew.
“It would have been even better if it had been the winning goal. But returning to his home country it was very important for him to do well.
“We will work hard to prepare for the second leg now. It’s a game we should win and I’m sure we will do what is necessary at Villa Park with our fans backing us.
“To reach the UEFA Cup is a big prize and we need to complete the task next week. It is a very big game and we will be ready.”
