Carew - Bring Brede to Villa

Villa striker would be happy to see Fulham defender sign on

By Elliot Ball   Last updated: 8th May 2009  

Carew - Bring Brede to Villa

Hangeland: Praised by Carew

Hangeland would be as good for me as Ronny Johnsen when he was in his prime at Manchester United

John Carew
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John Carew has urged Martin O'Neill to bring Brede Hangeland to Aston Villa in the summer.

The Villa striker has earmarked the Fulham defender as the perfect candidate to replace club captain Martin Laursen, whose chances of staying in the game are in the balance because of a long-term knee injury.

Villa have already started considering centre-halves to fill the boots of their inspirational skipper and O'Neill will be able to take a close inspection of Carew's suggestion when his side travel to Craven Cottage on Saturday.

27-year-old Hangeland, who has courted interest from the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal over the course of the season, is under contract with the Cottagers for another two years but has been offered an improved contract by manager Roy Hodgson.

Fulham are keen to fend off increased interest in Hangeland, who kept out Villa during November's goalless draw at Villa Park to add to his growing list of commanding performances this term.

Carew has given his Norway team-mate the thumbs up to be a success in the Midlands, should he decide to move away from Craven Cottage.

Thumbs up

He told The Birmingham Mail: "You never know, there will be a lot of teams interested. But if Martin O'Neill wants him, then just have a go.

"He is a great defender who could fit into any team. If he was to come here it would be positive for the club.

"We have good players here already here, I want to say that, it's not like we need him.

"But the more good players in each position, the bigger the squad, the better, so if they want to bring in another class defender, midfielder or striker everything is good for the team."

Carew also went on to suggest Hangeland has now entered the echelons Premier League's leading defenders.

"He has done fantastically this season," said Carew of the towering centre-back.

"I am so happy for him. I am proud to have people from my country coming here and doing so well.

Complete

"Hangeland has been in the top three or four defenders in the league this season. He is the complete defender.

"He has that strength being so big, he is good in the air, he has good speed, he is one of the best defenders in the league on the ball.

''He has a calmness about him in possession that you almost never see in a defender. He is never stressed, he brings calm to the team."

14-goal marksman Carew even drew comparisons between Hangeland and former Villa defender Ronny Johnsen during the Norwegian's prime at Manchester United.

"He is very talented, he's a university boy, he would have been a doctor or lawyer or something if he had not been a football player," he added.

"I think he brings that intelligence to the football pitch.

"Hangeland would be as good for me as Ronny Johnsen when he was in his prime at Manchester United.

"Sir Alex Ferguson said Johnsen was the best defender there and that's when they had Jaap Stam. To get that from him isn't bad!

"I think Hangeland will be at least as good."