Aston Villa overcame struggling Hull 1-0 at Villa Park to secure European football next season. Despite the narrow win Villa were full deserved of the three points courtesy of a first half strike from John Carew.

Hull pressed at the end and six added minutes gave the home side a few nervy moments but the Tigers failed to score and remain deep in relegation trouble after just one league win in 19 outings.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill was a relieved man.

"It was relief at the end that we have won a game," O'Neill told Sky Sports.

"We deserved to win the game. Their goalkeeper has made one brilliant save.

"We've thrown away leads against Stoke and West Ham, and tonight it was nice to keep a clean sheet."

After the match goalscorer Carew admitted he was unsure whether the goal would stand.

"It was a very good, the referee made the right decision," said Carew of his 14th goal of the campaign. "I wasn't sure but it was good to see it wasn't offside.

"It was a brilliant ball, I just had to put my foot on it."

"It's definitely a good season. We improve each season, if we get fifth we have still improved on last season," he said.