BIRMINGHAM, England (AFP) - Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill expects club top scorer John Carew to be fit for his side's clash at home to Premier League rivals Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

The Norwegina international striker, who has scored nine league goals this season, was forced off with a groin strain in the 4-0 loss at Manchester United last weekend.

But his injury does not appear to be serious, and O'Neill told the club website avfc.co.uk: "I'm very optimistic about it because he came in on Sunday and by Monday he felt a million times better. So hopefully he'll be available.

"He wants to play and he understands that sometimes you just get on with it. He's prepared to do that and feels very positive about playing on Saturday.

"John is a very important player for us and we're trying to use his experience to help the younger players alongside him - Gabby (Agbonlahor), Ashley Young and Shaun Maloney."

Villa's bid for European football next season suffered a setback against United but they are still in the hunt in eighth place in the Premier League.