Aston Villa Football Club News

• Nickname:The Villains
• Founded:1874
• Manager:Alex McLeish

• Ground:Villa Park
• Capacity:42,584

Barry hopes for Euro boost

03 Mar 2008 - 10:02:10

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Gareth Barry claims captaining an Aston Villa side in European competition would be the pinnacle of his career.

The England midfielder has been a mainstay in the side that remains in the hunt for Champions League football after an impressive season.

Saturday's 1-1 draw with Arsenal left Villa sixth in the table and on course for at least UEFA Cup qualification.

"The club is buoyant at the moment," admitted Barry, who almost left Villa Park before the appointment of Martin O'Neill as manager 18 months ago.

"I have experienced quite a few low points at this club but it makes times like this, when things are going so well, even better.

"If I were to captain the club into Europe, that would be the best achievement of my career.

"I am looking forward to that happening but there is still a lot of hard work ahead.

"We have not achieved anything yet and this is now the most important part of the season.

"We have to keep our eye on the ball. There is still a lot of hard work ahead.

"No-one is getting carried away at the moment. The way we are playing at the moment, and the points we are picking up, means Europe is possible but no-one is getting ahead of their station."