Carson eyes Europe

Scott Carson has called on Aston Villa to become the surprise team of the Barclays Premier League season.


The on-loan Liverpool goalkeeper wants Villa to ensure their superb win over Chelsea was not a one-off result and emulate the example of Blackburn Rovers, who have qualified for this season's UEFA Cup competition via the Intertoto Cup after a consistent campaign last year.

Carson, back from his spell as England number three for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia, insists Martin O'Neill's side should not settle for a mid-table slot.

another step

But he knows the importance of building on the euphoria that surrounded the performance against Chelsea when they visit Manchester City on Sunday for their next league clash.

"We've got to look to Europe," said Carson. "We've been solid at the back so far and have kept a couple of clean sheets which is pleasing.

"We took another step in the right direction against Chelsea but you've got to carry it on. We've got to continue things on against the teams around us in the table. I think the lads have got to look at Europe. There is no point in settling for 10th, 11th or whatever. We've got to look to the next step like Blackburn did last season."