Aston Villa goalkeeper Scott Carson is bracing himself for a hot reception from Everton fans in Sunday's Premier League clash at Goodison Park.Carson, on loan to Villa from the Toffees' Merseyside rivals Liverpool, had a taste of what to expect while with Charlton last season.

But he expects the welcome to be even more hostile on Sunday given the prize at stake for the two clubs - a UEFA Cup spot.

Everton currently lead Villa by three points but are faltering whereas Martin O'Neill's side have netted 15 times in the last three games and will go above Everton on goal difference if they triumph at the weekend.

Carson said: "It is a massive game this weekend. Hopefully we can play like we did against Birmingham - and Bolton and Derby before that - and pick up the three points.

"People say Everton are stuttering but they are a great side, a very consistent side who have done that for the last couple of seasons and have been right up there.

"It is not going to be easy and we won't be taking anything for granted. But the good thing is we have got the chance of getting into Europe back in own hands.

"That is the main thing. We have turned it around after being seven or eight points behind and we are right back in the race now.

"Personally I can't see myself getting a good reception. I've played at Goodison Park before for Charlton last season when I was on loan.

"I got a bit of stick last season. I can see myself getting a little bit more this time!

"But it is just another game and hopefully we can play well and it will be nice if I can put in a good performance."

Carson believes Villa will have the momentum going into Sunday's showdown after putting a bleak run of results in March behind them.

He said: "We have played really well the last three games and have scored a lot of goals and we have hit a bit of form at the right time so hopefully we can carry it on for the final three games.

"We have the momentum going. Just before these three games, we hit a bad patch and didn't pick up that many points but that is going to happen during a season.

"Fortunately we have picked things back up, got a few points and scored a few goals so hopefully it can carry on.

"We have been consistent all season. The bad patch happened and it was a bit disheartening that we were going to throw our season away but we've picked it back up and done really well."

Carson's future remains in doubt with O'Neill making little comment on whether he will try and sign the 22-year-old on a permanent basis.

Carson would only say: "I am not going to say anything about my future yet. You will have to ask the manager."

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