Villa squad want skipper to stay

Barry is vital to Villa's development

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 21st April 2008

Gareth Barry

Barry: Needs reassuring

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Aston Villa's players have urged Gareth Barry to ignore the overtures of Liverpool and Chelsea.

The Villa captain has enjoyed an impressive season for Martin O'Neill's side, leading to rumours that he could be set for a big money move in the summer.

The England international still has two years to run on his current deal at Villa Park, but wants to see what O'Neill's long-term plans are for the club before making a decision on his future.

They would appear to be moving in the right direction at present, with fifth place in the table and a Uefa Cup spot now a realistic target.

Scott Carson, Zat Knight, Juventus-bound Olof Mellberg and John Carew are all adamant that Barry can achieve his personal goals at Villa and have pleaded with their skipper to commit to the club.

Carson

Goalkeeper Carson said: "It is massive that Gareth stays. He is the captain here and a vital part of the manager's plans.

"I would say he is the centre point of the team and the most consistent player at Villa.

"If he went, it would be a massive blow. He is the heartbeat of the team.

"Gareth is one of the most consistent players in England and never seems to have a bad game so to lose a player like that would be hard to find a replacement for."

Knight

Defender Knight said: "It shows where Villa want go when the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea come in for Gareth and yet he still wants to see what is going to happen here.

"It just shows where Villa want to go because a lot of people would jump at the chance to go to Liverpool or Chelsea.

"We are trying to build something special here over the next couple of years and hopefully he can be part of it. We need Gareth to stay because he has got that bit of class.

"We are just pleased to have him at the moment and hopefully we can keep him."

Mellberg

Mellberg, who will leave Villa after a seven-year spell this summer, said: "I don't know what is in Gareth's mind. I don't want to compare my situation to his.

"We are different. We are at different stages of our careers. I know what my thoughts were. It is difficult to know Gareth's thoughts.

"But I see a bright future here for Villa now. They want to qualify for Europe and then build on that, establish ourselves up there. That is obviously the goal for the club right now."

Carew

Norwegian striker Carew said: "I can't really say about Gareth and his situation. I just hope he stays as he is one of our most important players.

"What will happen, or not happen, is difficult to say. I think he will stay. He is our captain, he is the symbol of the club. I think he will stay but let's wait and see."