By Claire Boden

John Carew has spoken of the high team spirit in the Villa camp as the 2010-11 pre-season preparations continue.

Martin O'Neill's claret and blue charges have been back at Bodymoor Heath for just over a week and the powerful forward understands the importance of preparation ahead of the big kick-off against West Ham on August 14.

Despite the gruelling training schedule prepared by first team fitness coach Jim Henry, Carew says the players are enjoying themselves.

"It's always good to be back and the banter is flying about the place," said Carew.

"We are having a lot of fun here and we have a good group of players. We have started a bit earlier this season so we are going to be really prepared for the start of the new season.

"We have got a lot of training ahead of us and some friendly games. Nobody really loves pre-season but it's really necessary. You need it to get ready and build a platform for the season so it's very important."

The 6ft 4in frontman notched 17 goals in all competitions last term during Villa's sixth place finish - but the 30-year-old refuses to set personal targets ahead of the new campaign.

Yet the claret and blue faithful can be sure of one thing from the striker - 100 per cent effort.

"I am looking forward to the season and I hope it can be a good one," he added.

"It will be very tough - all the teams around us are buying players and getting stronger. We have a big challenge ahead of us and we are all looking forward to it.

"Hopefully we can go far in the Europa League this season. We need to qualify first and hopefully we can go far.

"I don't set personal targets other giving one hundred percent."