Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has challenged twelve-goal striker John Carew to add more consistency to his game. O'Neill said: "It is great that John is fully fit. The back problem has cleared up. He is fitter now than he has been for quite some time and we are delighted with him.

"Has he got a future here? Yes. Is he happy here? Yes. The crowd like him a lot, he is responding to that which is great.

"When showing that type of form, John can be anything he wants to be. But, if you want to be known as a really feared centre-forward, you have got to be consistently excellent.

"John has moved from club to club and you will have to ask other people why that has been the case. While he has been here, while he has played, he has done exceptionally well.

"He can play. He is a talented player, not just a big lump of a lad. He can get the ball down and play, turn and twist people."

O'Neill added: "If John can add that high level of consistency, where you are doing the business for 80 per cent of the time, then he can play for the next five years without a problem.

"I think John feels that if he is fully ready to go, that he is an asset to your team.

"I think he accepts what I say. I think he has accepted that challenge and wants to do something about it.

"I am very pleased with him. He has come roaring back, got some goals for us, and he has been a big asset since he arrived at the club.

"He is a young man and everything is really up to him. He has had a frustrating time this season because of his back problems but when he is fine and fit, he is an absolute handful."