Aston Villa 1 Hull City 0: John Carew's first half goal clinched an automatic European spot for Aston Villa for the first time in 11 years and piled on more misery for relegation-threatened Hull at Villa Park.

The Norwegian international struck for his 14th goal of the campaign 11 minutes before the interval to secure Villa’s first victory in 13 matches.

The three points moved them back into fifth spot and above Everton but more significantly they are now assured of participating in the revamped Europa League next season.

It represents more progress for Villa under Martin O’Neill despite the disappointment of seeing hopes of competing in the Champions League disappear after their recent lean run.

But Hull remain embroiled in the battle to survive in the top fight and they have collected only two points from their last seven games although they are still three ahead of 18th-placed Newcastle.

Villa were worthy of their first home league success since mid-January despite not firing on all cylinders. Hull’s Boaz Myhill — a former Villa player — was much the busier of the two keepers and his heroics kept the Tigers in contention.

But they lacked a cutting edge and Brad Friedel was seldom tested in the home goal.