O'Neill impressed with improved Carew

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Carew has often flattered to deceive but he has been in a rich vein of form since returning in early February from a three month lay-off with a back problem. The Norwegian international scored his 14th goal of the campaign against the Tigers to ensure Villa will be participating in the revamped Europa League in 2009-2010.

O'Neill said: "John's goal tally is very impressive. I think he has accepted the challenge to deliver the goods more regularly. I think that is absolutely right."

He added: "The great, great players in this game are very consistent. The demands are great. But he is doing great, really well indeed. I am delighted for John. He seems to have had no recurrence of the back problem and this is as fit as he has been for the season.

"He is very popular. He is thriving on the confidence and his popularity with the crowd and the team and occasionally with me as well!"

O'Neill is delighted to have qualified again for Europe as Villa climbed back into fifth spot of the Barclays Premier League.

But he again reiterated that he expects Villa to have a tougher fight on their hands to achieve that feat next season via Manchester City and Tottenham.

He said: "The club some years ago used to feast on European football. There has been a bit of a famine recently and it is great to have it for two successive years.

"That said, there is a tinge of disappointment that we couldn't keep the battle going (for fourth spot) but those four teams are very strong.

"Maybe we will try and learn from that although next season will be particularly difficult with Manchester City and Tottenham getting stronger. It will be difficult for us next year."