Paul Merson produced another inspired performance to keep alive Aston Villa's slim hopes of achieving European qualification through a top six placing in the Premiership as they defeated Derby 2-0 at Villa Park.

The Carling Player Of The Month for February set up both goals for Benito Carbone and George Boateng to give Villa a winning send-off before next weekend's FA Cup semi-final with Bolton Wanderers.

It is almost a year to the day since Merson reached the low point of his Villa career when by his own admission he relapsed in his battle against drink.

He even wondered earlier this season if he would play for Villa again as he had to be content with a bit part as a substitute.

But he has been a revelation since regaining his first-team spot in November and has been the driving force behind Villa's revival.

Villa manager John Gregory had warned that places were up for grabs at Wembley after the inept performance at Southampton.

And, although it was hardly a vintage performance, Villa were always in the driving seat and they have now been beaten just twice in their last 21 league and cup games.

There was also the bonus of a late appearance as substitute from Dion Dublin - just three months after breaking his neck against Sheffield Wednesday.

Carbone was also a constant threat to the Derby defence as he put the breakdown of his contract talks before transfer dead-line day behind him.

With wing-back Mark Delaney overlapping to good effect and Gareth Barry impressive at the back, the result was seldom in doubt despite a late Derby rally.

Jim Smith's side showed plenty of commitment but precious little in the way of an attacking threat until they had gone 2-0 down - and by then it was too little, too late.

There was precious little to enthuse about in the opening half hour during which time fit again Villa 'keeper David James and his Derby counterpart Mart Poom did not have a save to make.

Merson did more than most to try and brighten a drab affair and he created the first real moment of danger in the 30th minute.

His free-kick picked out the recalled Julian Joachim but from close range he sent his header past the post.

Poom then held onto a shot from the lively Merson and it was no surprise when he created the opening for Carbone's 40th minute opener.

The former Arsenal player made a probing run before threading the ball into the path of Carbone on the edge of the area.

He had time to set his sights before pulling the trigger and sending a low drive past the despairing dive of Poom into the corner of the net.

Carbone's delight was there for all to see as he waved his shirt above his head and then proceeded to kiss it in front of the massed ranks of Villa fans at the Holte End.

Merson then came within inches of doubling Villa's lead within 60 seconds after a crossfield run by Delaney.

The Welsh international played the ball into the path of Merson whose first time chip beat Poom all ends up but cannoned back off the crossbar.

Derby had posed little in the way of a threat in the opening 45 minutes but in first half injury-time James was extended for the first time. He had to be on his toes to deal with a well struck effort from Darryl Powell.

Villa continued to enjoy the lion's share of the play in the early stages of the second period.

A free-kick from George Boateng picked out Ugo Ehiogu whose header was saved by Poom away to high right.

With such a narrow advantage Villa had to remain on their guard and James did well to hold onto a powerful effort from Stefano Eranio.

But in the 57th minute the impressive Merson set up the second goal for Boateng.

His cross from the left-wing with the outside of his right foot picked out the former Dutch Under-21 skipper at the far post and he made no mistake with his header.

The home side were now in total command and Poom did well to turn a low effort from Carbone around the post.

Derby at last came to life with Horacio Carbonari heading just wide and James having to come racing out of his goal to head clear from substitute Malcolm Christie.

The Villa 'keeper then held onto a low drive from Seth Johnson but Villa held on comfortably enough to secure their seventh home win.

Teams:

Aston Villa: James, Ehiogu, Samuel, Barry, Delaney, Taylor (Hendrie 75), Merson, Boateng, Wright, Joachim (Stone 61), Carbone (Dublin 80).

Subs Not Used: Watson, Enckelman.

Goals: Carbone 40, Boateng 57.

Derby: Poom, Laursen, Carbonari, Elliott (Christie 61), Schnoor, Delap, Eranio (Sturridge 88), Powell, Johnson, Kinkladze, Strupar.

Subs Not Used: Dorigo, Riggott, Oakes.

Booked: Schnoor.

Att: 28,613

Ref: P Alcock (Halstead).