John Carew moves to West Ham United on free transfer

Image caption, Carew gave Stoke options in attack during his loan spell last season

Former Aston Villa striker John Carew has joined Championship side West Ham United on a free transfer.

The 31-year-old, 6ft 5in Norwegian striker, who scored twice in 13 games on loan at Stoke last term, became a free agent after being freed by Villa.

"I am very happy to sign for such a big club," he told the West Ham website.

"I am so pleased to be here and am looking forward to being part of a good team here that will bring this great club back up to the Premier League."

Carew's registration was not completed in time for him to play in West Ham's opening Championship match against Cardiff on Sunday.

The powerful forward, who has been given the number 11 shirt at Upton Park, passed a medical before he was confirmed as West Ham's fifth signing of the summer.

He has scored 23 goals in 88 appearances for the Norwegian national side, and netted 52 goals in 133 matches for Villa.

His strike-rate in the FA Cup was particularly impressive, as he scored 11 times in 10 games.

Carew joined Villa from Lyon in 2007 and was a key member of their side under former manager Martin O'Neill.

But injury has prevented the striker from making an impact last season while his relationship with O'Neill's successor Gerard Houllier was strained, with the pair arguing in the press in 2010.