The Norway international has been superb for Martin O'Neill's side this season, scoring 13 goals and helping Villa to stay in the hunt for a European finish.

And the 28-year-old admits he has never experienced such a strong dressing room in all his career.

Carew told the club's official website: "I've adapted successfully wherever I've been but this is the most competitive league. We depend a lot on team spirit at Villa.

"I have found it much better after being in teams that cruised to the league title.

"At Valencia and Lyon we were cruising through the first stage of the Champions League as well and sometimes that makes players drift off into their own little world. Not here.

"We have to be together 100 per cent, all the way to get results, and when we play like that it's a fantastic experience."

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