Aston Villa Football Club News

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

• Ground:Villa Park
• Capacity:42,584

O'Neill: Barry back to his best

07 Oct 2008 - 11:08:10

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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill believes Gareth Barry is back to his best following his dalliance with Liverpool during the summer.

Barry, 27, was expected to join the Merseyside club during the close season after revealing a desire to end his lengthy association with Villa.

However, the two clubs were unable to agree on a transfer fee and the England international remained at Villa Park.

Barry was stripped of the club captaincy following a public spat with O'Neill, but the Villa boss now believes the midfielder is back to his best form after making 11 appearances this season.

"Gareth, to his great credit, has put aside the disappointment of not joining Liverpool during the last transfer window," he claimed.

"He has put his head down and got on with things and he has been excellent for us.

"My own view is that Gareth is now actually playing better than ever."