Aston Villa striker John Carew is in hot water.

The Sun says Villa boss Martin O'Neill is to investigate claims striker John Carew was in a nightclub just hours before their big European date with Ajax.

Carew faces a £100,000 fine - two weeks' wages - if the Villa boss discovers the player broke a pre-match curfew.

The striker did not play in the 2-1 UEFA Cup victory over the Dutchmen after complaining of tiredness and sickness earlier in the week.

But O'Neill decided to leave him out only at the last moment which meant that Carew was still part of the squad.

Yet Villa have been told he was apparently in the high-class Rocket Club in Birmingham at 1am on Thursday.

Villa fans insist they saw him in the company of a girlfriend and sipping soft drinks.

Club rules allow players to go out the night before a game, perhaps for a meal, but to be home well before midnight.

Carew, 29, watched the Ajax game from the stands.

He is expected to play on Sunday at Wigan.