Carew relishing final test

Norwegian confident ahead of silverware bid

By Danny Wright   Last updated: 26th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Carew relishing final test

Carew: Relishing trophy prospect

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Aston Villa striker John Carew says he is feeling in top condition ahead of his side's Carling Cup final date with Manchester United.

Carew started in Wednesday's 3-1 FA Cup win over Crystal Palace and made the most of the opportunity by bagging two penalties in the closing stages to boost his chances of earning a place in the first XI for Sunday's clash at Wembley.

The former Lyon man is coming into form just at the right time as his team chase a domestic cup double and a place amongst the coveted top four in the Premier League.

An injury affected campaign has seen the Norwegian front man largely restricted to appearances from the bench for Martin O'Neill's side, but the 30-year-old says he feels ready to fire Villa to glory.

Carew said: "I've been injured and I've been working really hard to get back in shape and against Palace I felt really good - even after the game. My legs felt light.

"I feel I'm starting to reach my peak form again. I really needed that game to get the last bit of fitness back after a couple of setbacks.

"I want to be available for the team again and 100 per cent fit."

Victory over cash-strapped Championship side Palace at Villa Park earned them a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals and put the Midlands outfit on course for a successful season.

O'Neill has transformed the fortunes of Villa around since his appointment in 2006, bringing them to the brink of the Champions League places.

Sunday's final gives the former Celtic boss the chance to win his third League Cup crown of his career and could end Villa's 13-year wait for a trophy.

Their 12-game unbeaten run has provided the makings for a memorable season, with Carew stressing the importance of making the most of their promising position in the FA Cup as well.

And he backed his team mates to cause an upset against Sir Alex Ferguson's side, highlighting the four points taken off United in the league this season.

Carew added: "This is a really important stage of the season. We are in two cups still and it's great for the club. We have reached one final and we can reach another final.

"In the league, we have taken four points off United so we know we have the possibility to get something out of it.

"We are going there planning to enjoy the moment, play good football and try to make it a great day in Villa's history. That would be fantastic.

"To win the cup would be unbelievable. Both teams will want to win it but we have to be confident and we don't have to be scared that we can't compete with Manchester United."

The Norwegian international believes progress has been made under O'Neill, but reaching a final is another crucial phase in their development.

He called on the players to make the most of the occasion - reiterating his confidence that his colleagues could upset the current Carling Cup holders.

"We have been getting better and better in the league over the last three or four years, which is important, but it's also important to get to cup finals," said Carew.

"You really feel you are arriving. It gives even more edge to the feeling you are getting somewhere.

"It is not many times in your life that you get an opportunity to play in a game in front of 80-90,000 people. We must enjoy the moment and be confident we can win."