The Hulk Pleased With Progress

John Carew is convinced Villa can and will improve on last season's top 6 finish and he's seriously looking forward to returning to European action.

Speaking to the official site, he said:

'I'm really looking forward to the new season. I think it will be a good season and we're always trying to improve. I think this season will be even better than last year.

'I was very happy at the end of last season. It was a good season for us. We came sixth and that's a good achievement.

'Our ambition was to reach Europe in two years and we did it in one. Now we just have to win those Intertoto games to reach the UEFA Cup - that would be really fantastic for everybody.

'Every footballer wants to play in Europe. It's a beautiful experience as you go to other countries and play really good teams. It's a part of the football dream. So it's very important to win the Intertoto Cup games.'

Considered to be a nomad in football, Carew yesterday repeated his desire to stay at the club for a long time, and it also sounds like he is making some good friends within the Villa camp - which speaks volumes about our ethos.

'The spirit here is good. There's very good humour in the dressing room, everybody is taking good care of each other. It's great to be a part of Aston Villa.

'Everybody is also coming back fitter than last year so it looks good. This time of the year is very important for us as we build a platform for the whole season. It's a very, very important period as we build up our strength.'

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