Aston Villa's John Carew Warns Chelsea That Stars don't Faze Him

John Carew has warned new Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink that inheriting a star-studded squad at Stamford Bridge is no guarantee of success.

Hiddink takes the Blues to Aston Villa today for his first league match in charge since replacing Luiz Felipe Scolari.

But Villa striker Carew insists Martin O'Neill's third-placed team are undaunted at facing the west Londoners and are deservedly two points above Roman Abramovich's expensively-assembled side.

The Norway international reckons Villa's success this term proves the importance of having a unified dressing-room with no superstars.

He said: "Why should we be worried about playing Chelsea?

We've been better than them this season and I think we are going to go out to show that on Saturday.

"Look at the table, it's not always about the stars - it's about the team.

"Chelsea have stars and they are still up there as one of the best teams in the league.

"But there is a reason we are where we are. Villa is very strong as a group and is a big family and everyone supports each other."

Hiddink - who will be at Stamford Bridge until the end of the season and remains manager of the Russia national team-over saw the FA Cup fifth-round win at Watford but Carew says Villa must not worry about the Dutchman's presence.

"Generally teams get a little boost when a new manager comes in, but we've been doing so well lately," added Carew, who scored in the 1-1 UEFACup first leg clash with CSKA Moscow at Villa Park on Wednesday.

"We know it will be a tough game with Chelsea but we are looking forward to it and are confident we can win it."

Villa, who finished sixth last term, are unbeaten in the league since November and victory today will fuel their hopes of Champions League qualification.

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"I thought this would happen but not this quick," said Carew, who signed from Lyon in January 2007.

"Now we're chasing a Champions League place so it's amazing what has happened to the club and I'm proud to be a part."

And Carew insists he is not fazed by Villa signing another big, muscular forward last month in the shape of Emile Heskey, bought from Wigan for £3.5million.

He added: "Emile is an England player and a very good asset for the team.

"I am happy that a quality player like Emile is here."

Villa boss Martin O'Neill has piled the pressure on Chelsea insisting the visitors must win to keep their title hopes alive.

"They have to win the game," said O'Neill.

"Manchester United have opened up a 10-point gap.

"I think Chelsea feel with 13 games for them to stand any chance they need to be unbeaten and win 11 games.

"It will take some doing but with that group of players it is not beyond them. But 10 points behind Manchester United is a lot of points."

( James Nursey / Mirror )