John Carew is ready to bully top-flight defences again this season after insisting he is "fit and raring to go" with the new campaign fast approaching.

Carew was in top form against Walsall, producing a highly-encouraging forward display.

Despite not getting on the scoresheet, the giant hitman led the line brilliantly and also worked his socks off.

After his effective performance, Carew revealed he is looking forward to the new campaign with Villa immensely.

He said: "I am very happy and really looking forward to the season coming.

"I am doing my best to be fit and ready for when the season starts so I can't wait to get started again.

"I will do my best to be available for the team and be an important player for the team. I am looking forward to the season and I am trying to get myself as fit as possible.

"I have scored a lot of goals and hopefully I will continue to score goals this season.

"I don't set targets - I just set myself giving 100 percent and being ready to go for when the games begin.

"The goals normally come by themselves."

On the latest workout against Walsall, he continued: "I really enjoyed the game. I enjoyed it from the first minute.

"This is pre-season so it's about the fitness. I did as much work as I could.

"It was a good work-out, a good session, a good practice game. It was a exciting game as well."

Carew - a big fan of Villa's Young Lions - was impressed with their contributions against the Saddlers.

He added: "The young lads have impressed me all pre-season.

"Marc and Baz impressed me especially and, of course, Andy scored a couple too.

"I am very happy for them and it gives them a big boost to be with the big boys and do well. It's great for them."

Cheer on JC and the boys as they take on Valencia in a prestigious friendly at Villa Park - click below for tickets.