Aston Villa striker John Carew stepped up his bid for a first-team return by playing for the reserves.
Striker plays for an hour for reserves after calf injury
Aston Villa striker John Carew stepped up his bid for a first-team return by playing for the reserves on Monday.
Carew has been sidelined with a calf problem since last month's derby draw with Birmingham City, but is now edging nearer to a return.
The Norway international played for just over an hour in the reserves' 1-1 draw with West Brom and could be in contention for a first-team recall against Arsenal at the weekend.
The 31-year-old has struggled for form and fitness this season, and has yet to score in seven Premier League appearances.
He had been troubled by a back injury prior to his calf problem and his impending return will be a timely boost for manager Gerard Houllier.
With Emile Heskey injured, Gabriel Agbonlahor is the only senior fit striker for Villa, with youngster Nathan Delfouneso providing the support in recent games.
Monday's reserve-team encounter also saw Robert Pires play for an hour after the veteran Frenchman had made his Villa debut as a substitute in Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Blackburn.
