Aston Villa FC

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Barry rules out January exit

28 Nov 2008 - 15:22:20

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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has revealed that midfielder Gareth Barry will definitely not be leaving the Midlands club in the January transfer window.

The 27-year-old England international was expected to join Liverpool over the summer, but, having seen that move fall through, Barry has hit top form to help Villa make a strong start to the new campaign.

O'Neill told the club's official website: "This news will lift me, the players and hopefully, the player himself. It increases our determination to keep going and shows we are pushing in the right direction.

"This is what Gareth wants to do. It is very, very pleasing and I am delighted.

"We will sit down again in the summer, have a chat and see what progress we are making.

"He has given the football club fantastic service and wants to put the trauma of the summer behind him.

"His game is top-notch at the moment and he is playing very well. He wants to leave all the speculation behind him and get on with his game."

However, O'Neill's joy was tempered by the news that striker John Carew faces several weeks out of action with renewed back problems.

The Irishman added: "John has a bit of a back problem again. We will have to monitor that, but it is looking as if he might miss a few weeks.

"He pulled up in training yesterday and it is something that needs more treatment."