Carew battle for fitness

Aston Villa striker John Carew is battling to be fit for Saturday’s Barclays Premier League clash at already relegated Derby.

The Norwegian international suffered a recurrence of a groin injury during the 4-0 win over Bolton last weekend and had to be substituted in the second half.

Midfielder Craig Gardner is still ruled out with the thigh injury sustained on England Under-21 duty a fortnight ago.

Nigel Reo-Coker has to avoid a tenth yellow card of the season against the Rams to escape a two match ban before a Football Association amnesty takes effect from Sunday.

Villa (from): Carson, Taylor, Mellberg, Laursen, Knight, Bouma, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Barry, Young, Berger, Osbourne, Maloney, Agbonlahor, Carew, Harewood, Salifou, Routledge.