Football journeyman John Carew looks set to remain with Aston Villa next season according to manager Martin O'Neill.

The Norwegian striker has had an injury-plagued season, highlighted by a controversial incident at a lap dancing club in October, but O'Neill believes he is an integral part of the three-way strike force in the Villa squad.

"They've played great. We've got Gabby, we've got Emile and John," said O'Neill in the Birmingham Mail.

"We look, if they stay fit, as if we have a potent threat for not only the back end of this season but next season going forward.

"All three, if they can stay fit for next season, will definitely pose problems in whichever order we play - even including all three of them at the same time."