Aston Villa must go for Europe this season, says on-loan Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson.

Carson said: "We've got to look to Europe. We've been solid at the back so far and have kept a couple of clean sheets which is pleasing.

"Then you can see the quality of the young players we've got upfront and the kind of pace they possess. Hopefully we can take the next step forward.

"I think we took another step in the right direction against Chelsea but you've got to carry it on. We've got to continue things on against the teams around us in the table.

"I think the lads have got to look at Europe. There is no point in settling for 10th, 11th or whatever. We've got to look to the next step like Blackburn did last season.

"There is often a surprise team that emerges and hopefully we can be that team. There have been some encouraging signs."