John Carew has spoken of his disappointment as Villa's UEFA Cup ambitions were dented by Wigan Athletic.

Saturday's 2-0 defeat means Villa must now win at West Ham next weekend and hope Everton lose at home to Newcastle. Defeat at Upton Park could mean Villa even miss out on the Intertoto Cup.

Carew and his team mates were unable to find a way through stubborn Wigan resistance and the Norwegian international said: "It was disappointing. We still have a chance of Europe but it will be difficult. It is not depending on our result anymore.

"It was strange. We couldn't make things work from the beginning. We struggled to get a hold of the ball and create chances- it never felt as if we had got a hold on the match.

"It is a pity we couldn't do it, and I don't know why we couldn't make it work. It was similar to the Middlesbrough and Sunderland games. We lost important points there and we lost important points here.

"The manager was not happy with the performance, of course. We didn't really create enough. We have tried our best but I am not sure that we will make it now. But we still haven't given up."

Carew was doubly disappointed because fellow Scandinavian Olof Mellberg was denied a winning farewell as he made his last Villa Park appearance.

The big striker added: "I wish it could have been a better match for him and to finish off with a victory at home instead of losing.

"He has been an excellent servant to Villa for many years and I want to wish him luck at his new club. I am sure he will do well.

"He is past 30 now and he has to take this opportunity to go there. It is understandable that he wants to try something else.

"It is one of the biggest clubs in the world. It is something for him to be very proud of. He will be in Europe next year and I hope he does well. I hope his family can settle and wish him all the luck. Olof is going to a very big Italian club and will probably play in the Champions League."