Carew strike clinches European spot for Villa

JOHN CAREW’S first half goal clinched an automatic European spot for Aston Villa and piled on more misery for relegation-threatened Hull at Villa Park last night.

The Norwegian international struck for his 14th goal of the campaign 11 minutes before the interval to secure Villa’s first victory in 13 matches.

The three points moved them back into fifth spot and above Everton but more significantly they are now assured of participating in the revamped Europa League next season.