Villa manager Gerard Houllier is ready to forgive and forget his spat with John Carew and turn to the fit-again striker for Saturday’s clash against Arsenal.

Houllier, who has also confirmed new signing Robert Pires will feature against the Gunners, is desperate to add experience to his injury-hit side.

After a four-game absence during which Carew accused his new Villa boss – and former Lyon manager – of showing him a lack of respect, the Norwegian international is being lined up for a call to arms.

In the background is the future of the 31-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season and has been challenged by Houllier to prove he is worth a new deal.

That was at the core of a dispute between the pair that was subsequently smoothed over after a clear-the-air meeting in front of the whole squad.

Now Houllier, having watched Carew make his comeback in the reserves this week, is hinting strongly as a return for the big striker.

The manager said: “John did an hour in the reserves and he felt a bit stiff and sore in the end, but he should be OK.

Houllier also revealed that defender James Collins could be fit for a return, but is still waiting for a decision on young midfielder Jonathan Hogg as he tries to overcome an ankle injury.

Pires is approaching the occasion with relish as he prepares to step back into the spotlight, as he tackles the players with whom he has spent recent months training.

He said: “It will be strange, seeing as I trained two months with them and played for several years there.

“But I will have to forget that over the 90 minutes, now I’m wearing new colours. I’m really happy to get back in the Premier League, I missed it.

“Gerard is expecting me to take the youngsters under my wing, you know that this Aston Villa team is very young and unfortunately there are a lot of injuries.

“So he’s expecting me to bring my experience and my know-how, especially from my time in the Premier League, and to give a helping hand.

“I don’t think there’ll be any concerns, particularly when you see how they played against Manchester United.

“It proves there’s a lot of quality, now we just need that bit of luck and experience, which I think I have.”