Barry exit scuppered as Villa win Euro match
Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry all but resigned himself to another season at the club after setting them on their way to a European victory last night.
The Liverpool target drastically reduced his chances of a dream move to Anfield by figuring against FH Hafnarfjordur, but put thoughts of a move to one side as he led a 4-1 UEFA Cup second qualifying round away win against the Icelanders.
Barry scored the first goal after four minutes, and manager Martin O’Neill insisted the England midfielder had happily put Villa’s European adventure before a transfer.
“Gareth did very well. He was an absolute delight. I spoke to him beforehand and he wanted to play.” said O’Neill.
“He knew the consequences of playing, in case anything might happen in the next couple of weeks. But I think he wants to get mentally focussed now about the season. It’s a big, big season for him.”
Barry is now ineligible for the Champions League – his main motivation for joining Liverpool.
Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor also netted in the first half as Villa took a 3-1 lead, and Martin Laursen added a fourth.
Meanwhile, Manchester City lost their Uefa Cup second qualifying round home leg 1-0 against Danish side FC Midtjylland.