Carew has been warned

Villa number two John Robertson has handed John Carew a tongue-in-cheek warning not to bother coming back from international duty if he helps sink his beloved Scotland.

Carew's Norway take on the Scots in a World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park on Saturday and the in-form Villa striker is expected to start, after insisting he will recover in time from a neck problem to play.

He said: "I've been in this situation before so I am not worried. I guarantee I'll play."

Robertson revealed the game has already been the source of some playful jest in the Villa dressing room.

He said: "We have had quite a bit of banter about the Scotland game. The big man has been well warned not to return if Scotland lose! All last week myself and Roddy Macdonald, the club doctor, were singing the national anthem.

"John will have Flower of Scotland ringing in his ears!"

Robertson fears a tough afternoon could be in store for the Scotland rearguard. He believes their best chance is by cutting off the supply line to the former Roma and Valencia man.

The Villa No 2 said: "He's a handful. In my opinion when he is on song he is as good as anyone there is in the game. He is a big lad who is extremely strong but he has no shortage of ability.

"He has good feet and can play a bit, that's for sure. He also has a fair bit of pace about him, so he can hold the ball up and bring other players into play.

"That's his biggest asset - his major strength.

"John has been terrific for us this season in the Premier League. It will be difficult for the Scotland boys at the back. Whatever they do they'll need to keep a close eye on Carew.

"He'll lean back into them and try to throw his weight around. The less he gets of the ball the less harm he can do though. "So that means try to stop the service into him. He obviously relies on service so that could be the key.

"Fingers crossed Scotland can win the game and we can get some more points on the board."