Carew could feature for Villa

Striker John Carew is pushing hard for a return to the Aston Villa starting line-up against Liverpool on Sunday after convincing manager Martin O’Neill he is back to full fitness following a back problem.

The Norwegian international heads for Anfield having netted twice as a substitute recently against Stoke and Tottenham, and will battle with Emile Heskey and goal-shy Gabriel Agbonlahor for a place.