I need to be playing Champions League football, says Englands Barry

Published: 30 Mar 2009 - 17:23:11

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England midfielder Gareth Barry has hinted he may leave Aston Villa in pursuit of Champions League football next season as it would give him the best possible preparation for the 2010 World Cup. Martin O'Neill's Villa side have slipped off the pace in their fight to finish fourth in the Barclays Premier League for the last Champions League spot renewing speculation that Barry could join one of the Big Four in the summer. The 28-year-old came close to joining Liverpool last summer but the deal collapsed after manager Rafael Benitez failed to meet Villa's asking price of £18million.  Barry insists he is focused on helping England overcome Ukraine at Wembley onSaturday before resuming Villa's bid to clinch a top four place. But he admits playing top-level football would aid his cause with England in South Africa next year despite the fact he has played regularly under boss Fabio Capello.

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