John Carew is one of Norway's most famous footballers.

He won the Norwegian Football Cup with Vålerenga I.F. in 1997, and the Norwegian Premier League with Rosenborg B.K. in 1999. After a string of impressive displays in the Champions League he moved to Spanish club Valencia where he won the league and played in the Champions League final. He then moved to AS Roma in Italy's Serie A before arriving in Turkey with Besiktas in 2004. After the 2004-05 season, he was snapped up by the four-time defending Ligue 1 champions Lyon before his exciting transfer to Aston Villa.

LAST SEASON

During his first few months in charge, manager Martin O'Neill identified one of Villa's biggest needs as a player with presence up front. He remedied the situation in the January transfer window by signing John Carew from French club Lyon in exchange for Czech Republic international Milan Baros.

At 6ft 4in, the Norwegian striker fitted the bill perfectly. Throughout the remainder of the season, he caused countless problems for opposition defenders with his height and power, just as he had for his previous clubs.

Unfortunate not to score in his first match, when he had one header which hit the inside of the post and another which was controversially disallowed for pushing, he made amends by hitting the winner on his home debut against West Ham. That made him an instant favourite with the claret and blue faithful.

He was on target twice more, in a 1-1 draw at Fulham and with a stunning header in a 2-0 win at Manchester City, and will be looking to establish himself as an even more prolific marksman this season.

"I don't think about being a hero. I just go on the pitch and try to play my best."