Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill
believes John Carew could be the difference for his side against
Arsenal on Wednesday night - and feels the giant striker has what
it takes to become an all-time Villa great.
The Norway international, 27, has impressed since arriving from
Lyon in a swap deal with Milan Baros, scoring two goals in his four
games to date.
And O'Neill thinks the former Valencia man, who scored the goals
that saw Arsenal eliminated from the UEFA Champions League in 2001
and 2003, is primed for another winning performance against The
Gunners for Villa.
"Against Arsenal, our fans will see the best of him so far because
he is much fitter now than he was when he made his home debut," he
told the Daily Mirror.
"He has done very well against Arsenal in the past, which is good
news, and hopefully that will help them play well against them
again."
O'Neill has been particularly impressed with the way he has
adjusted to life in England, and feels there are strong signs that
he can become one of the club's best-ever forwards.
"He has gelled well with the players and become very popular in the
dressing room and has performed very well indeed.
"He is strong and has ability on the ground which belies his
height, so there is absolutely no question he can be a top
centre-forward for Aston Villa.
"There have been quite a few brilliant centre-forwards who have
played for Villa, but he has the ability to be as good and is
definitely a quality forward in the making."
And while Carew has established a reputation for moving quickly
from club to club, O'Neill is confident the player can have a long
career at Villa Park.
"Something has been made of the fact that, despite his quality, he
doesn't seem to hang around that long at clubs, but I'm hoping that
the Premiership itself - with the possibility of us trying to
improve - will be enough incentive for him to hang around and try
to see it through.
"If he is doing well and the club are doing well, there would be no
reason for him to move on."