ASTON VILLA v Blackburn: John Carew doubtful for Carling Cup clash

Aston Villa striker John Carew is a doubtful starter for the Carling Cup semi-final second leg meeting with Blackburn at Villa Park on Wednesday.

The Norway international suffered a knee injury during training on Monday and is battling to be fit to face Sam Allardyce's side.

Midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker is still sidelined with the ankle problem which caused him to miss Sunday's goalless home draw with West Ham in the Barclays Premier League.

Manager Martin O'Neill is again likely to operate with number two goalkeeper Brad Guzan which has been his policy in the majority of cup fixtures this season.

Provisional squad: Friedel, Guzan, Cuellar, L Young, Beye, Dunne, Collins, Warnock, Milner, Downing, Petrov, A Young, Sidwell, Delph, Agbonlahor, Carew, Heskey, Delfouneso, Clark, Albrighton.

Source:dailymail.co.uk/