Carew warns Liverpool: Villa can steal your Champions League place

Ahead of Villa's Sunday home clash with , the 28-year-old insisted his side could be the surprise package this season.

Carew said: 'Our goal is to even better than sixth this season. It looks as though the squad is bigger than last year and at one stage last season we were close to Liverpool, so there is no reason for us not to believe that we can't  reach the top four.

Double trouble: Agbonlahor (left) and Young celebrate another goal

'To reach the top four we are going to have to do better than Liverpool. That's my belief and I hope it is the belief of everyone at the club.

'I see the young players getting better and better. The way Gabby Agbonlahor and Ashley Young handle everything - on and off the pitch - its like they have been playing the game for years.

'They cope with the pressure and the fuss. It's not always easy for young players. They are so relaxed, clear and what they are doing and they are able to focus. They are good at that age.

'I think it's really good that there are no personal agendas at Villa. I definitely prefer it when we are a group and there are not people chasing their own goals.

'That happens a lot at bigger clubs. We can't afford that, here. It makes for a great environment and that's why I want to stay.'