Terrace Hero Off To Turkey?

Last updated : 07 December 2009 By Tom Vickers

Claret and Blue cult hero John Carew may be ready to leave the Midlands in search of regular first team football, according to reports.

Carew, who was fit on Saturday but had to warm the substitutes bench, is apparently a target for Turkish giant Fenerbahce with a January move being mooted.

The big Norwegian hit man has enjoyed a chequered career at Villa Park and was left out of the side for a prolonged period last season after some well documented off the field antics.

Despite that, he has remained a firm favourite with the Holte End faithful and he receives constant chants of "John Carew, Carew he's bigger than me and you" whenever he appears on the pitch or on the touchline.

The talented beanpole is the latest in a long line of Premiership players to be targeted by Turkish clubs with Harry Kewell, Milan Baros and most recently Darius Vassell already having moved to the Superliga.

The change of surroundings hasn't worked out well for Vassell and it would definitely be a step into the unknown for Carew should he choose to leave Villa Park.

The 30 year old has made country hopping an art during his career, having played in France, Spain and Italy but surely now he would rather stay settled at a club where he is adored rather than have to impress all over again.

The Villa fans certainly won't want him to go and the £5m fee that has been bandied about would not buy Martin O'Neill a player of Carew's obvious calibre.