John Carew says Aston Villa's current squad are good enough to crack the top five next season.

The big Norwegian told Villa's website: "The European celebrations for the team of 82 certainly rubbed off on the team and they played out of this world - they were terrific.

"We believe this performance was a glimpse into the future and what we are aspiring to do.

"Confidence is high and, while the end of the season just came at the wrong time for us, we can look on and build on this next season.

"The very trophy the 1982 players were parading was so close to me that night I could have touched it - it was right in front of me but I never got to hold it.

"I hope I will still get the chance to hold it for real and that one day I can help Aston Villa to achieve a place in a European or Champions League final.

"I am not speaking of a long period of time - this group of players could qualify for Europe - could be top five and I tell the players that is what we want to be aiming for."