Leave West Ham, Olsen tells Carew

Norway coach Egil Olsen has told West Ham United's out-of-form striker John Carew to find a new club if he is to extend his international career.

Carew, who had been capped 91 times for the Norwegians has played just 65 minutes for West Ham since the New Year.

His sole appearance in 2012 came in the 1-0 FA Cup defeat at League One Sheffied Wednesday, where he was replaced midway through the second half by rookie Frank Nouble.

Attempts by West Ham to find a new club for Carew during the January transfer window amounted to nothing.

As a result, the 32-year-old - who played for the likes of Roma and Valencia during his heyday - has found himself even further down the pecking order following the arrival of Nicky Maynard from Bristol City.

"Carew has played very little over the past year and it seems that he probably needs to change club if he wants to get back in the national team," Olsen told reporters today, as he named his squad - minus Carew - for Norway's forthcoming friendly against Northern Ireland.

"A fit Carew is a big plus for Norway because he is a rare type of player. But he must play more often first and the signals I have received suggest he must change clubs.

"I hope he does," added the experienced coach. "If he does and plays well, he will leads the national team. If not, he will not."

Carew signed for West Ham on a free transfer last August. Since then he has made 17 appearances, scoring just two goals.