Source: Daily_Mail
Barry hails O'Neill as Aston Villa push towards Champions League
Gareth Barry insisted he never tried to engineer a move away from Aston Villa[LNB]because of his respect for manager Martin O'Neill. [LNB]Barry was initially distraught after failing to complete an £18million switch to Liverpool last summer after the Reds did not meet Villa's asking price. [LNB]The 28-year-old was desperate to play Champions League football after a decade of loyal service to Villa. [LNB][LNB] Final push: Barry is hoping to guide Villa into the Champions League[LNB]But the England midfielder maintained a professional approach and has played a key part in Villa's surge into the top four of the Barclays Premier League this season. [LNB]And O'Neill has responded by reinstating him as stand-in captain in the absence of the injured Martin Laursen. [LNB]Barry said: 'I said straight away that myself and the manager are both professional people who want the best this season for Villa. The relationship is very good. [LNB]'It can go through your head what others have done to get away from a club - but it was just not the reputation I would have wanted. [LNB]'It never went through my head to go through that. I've got too much respect for the club, and for the manager, and I've just got on with the job.' [LNB]Barry is happy to lead the side out again after initially being given the skipper's role when O'Neill took charge of Villa in the summer of 2006. [LNB]But his main goal is to see Villa lift some silverware although he is suspended for Sunday's FA Cup fifth-round clash at Everton. [LNB]He said: 'Everyone knows I enjoy captaining Villa. I've always looked forward to doing it and it does give you that extra lift, captaining the team out there. [LNB]'It can raise your game. But Martin is the captain this season and, if we win a trophy, that will be more than enough.' [LNB] And away we go! O'Neill salutes Villa's record on the road[LNB]It's a three-horse race: Liverpool boss Benitez insists Villa are genuine title contenders[LNB]The club nobody wants to join: Sportsmail looks at England's sorry one-cap wonders[LNB]ASTON VILLA FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB][LNB][LNB] [LNB]
