Carew missed two months with back and hamstring problems

Aston Villa striker John Carew has said he was delighted to play his first game for more than two months.

The Norway international, 29, made his return from back and hamstring injuries during the goalless draw with Wigan.

It was his first appearance since another goalless draw, at home to Manchester United in November.

"I'm happy to be back, it's a good feeling. You never want to be injured, so I'm just happy to be back again," Carew told BBC WM.

The only frustration on the day for the former Valencia and Lyon striker was his team's failure to breach a resolute Wigan rearguard.

The result cost Villa the chance to climb to second in the Premier League table.

And Carew added: "It was really close and we created a lot of chances - credit to them for managing to hold on.

He's great to be playing with out on the pitch and really brilliant in the changing room John Carew on Emile Heskey

"They had their big part of luck as well, clearing so many balls off the line."

It was the first time Carew has had the chance to play alongside new signing Emile Heskey and he said he is relishing the presence of the England striker.

"He's great to be playing with out on the pitch and really brilliant in the changing room, I'm really looking forward to the matches to come."

Carew has scored 21 Premier League goals in two years at Villa Park after arriving in a swap deal that saw Czech striker Milan Baros move to Lyon.

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