Aston Villa can finish above both Manchester City and Liverpool this season, says striker John Carew.

Carew insists Villa have nothing to fear from those sides, citing the fact Liverpool missed out on his former team-mate Gareth Barry as crucial to their stumbles.

"We can't think too much about what happens with the teams around us. We just have to get three points ourselves," he said.

"Liverpool seem to miss Alonso and must wish they had got Gareth. He is a great player and will definitely be good for City. Liverpool might regret not getting hold of him.

"I hope and expect, however, both teams to be behind Aston Villa at the end of the season so it won't be our problem!"