O'Neill has endured two painful defeats at Wembley this season

Aston Villa striker John Carew says it is vital Martin O'Neill remains as boss following rumours he was set to quit.

O'Neill will discuss extending his rolling contract in the summer and has reiterated a desire to continue.

The 30-year-old Carew said: "You see what he has done for the club. It is very important for Villa he stays."

Villa are looking to bounce back after Saturday's FA Cup semi-final 3-0 defeat to Chelsea and are struggling to secure qualification for the Champions League.

Stories emerged on the internet in March that the 58-year-old boss was ready to walk out at Villa Park and followed claims he was unhappy with the transfer policy of owner-chairman Randy Lerner.

O'Neill hit back by saying there was no truth in the rumours and stated he wished to carry on at the helm.

"Every summer I have discussed the season with my chairman. This summer will be no different," he said on 1 April, adding that the supporters and chairman would have a big role in deciding where his future would lie.

And despite Villa suffering a second defeat at Wembley at the weekend - six weeks after losing 2-1 to Manchester United in the Carling Cup final - fans and players have all provided support to their boss.

606: DEBATE Does everyone think that to go forwards next season Martin has to in some way change how he does things? villa1987

Ahead of Wednesday's crucial league clash with Everton, Carew said: "The speculation will be in the media but we have to go out there and perform and, in his mind, he is thinking about the game as well when we go out there."

Villa are seventh in the Premier League table behind Liverpool and Tottenham and eight points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City and hopes of making the last Champions League qualification spot are fading fast.

"We are still motivated and fourth place is still in range for us. We are really up for it and will be ready for it again on Wednesday," added the Norwegian forward.

"It is always important for everyone to get results and you want to perform and everyone has got big ambitions at Villa. You have seen that in the last year. We will be looking to improve every year.

"It is important as well for the other teams. They feel it is important as well to get that fourth place. We will do everything to try and get it. We haven't given up. We just have to go for it."

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