John Carew has jumped to the support of Aston Villa teammate Emile Heskey.

Carew has become the latest figure in the game to highlight Heskey's unselfish style as a major benefit to his team-mates.

"You know what Emile is about and what he means to a team and to a fellow striker in the role that he plays," explained Carew. "He's fantastic at holding up the ball, supporting the second striker, creating the space. He will do so much for you as a striker, it's just amazing.

"Gabby (Agbonlahor) has played with him a lot, I've played a few games with him and I've noticed his presence when he's playing and how much easier it is to be a striker when he's around.

"Gabby's been enjoying that and I've had the chance to enjoy that as well. So, for me, he's a player who still has a good future ahead of him. He has great qualities in the role that he plays.

"When Emile is on the pitch he will still make his team score goals and he will create big chances for the other strikers."