Carew: Hopeful

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John Carew believes it is a '50-50' bet whether Gareth Barry will stay with Aston Villa.

England midfielder Barry's proposed move to Liverpool has become one of this summer's ongoing transfer sagas as Villa hold out for an £18million asking price.

The 27-year-old has admitted a desire to join the Reds and was recently booed at a pre-season friendly with Walsall, but he received warm applause when replacing the injured Wilfred Bouma in Saturday's Intertoto Cup victory over Odense at Villa Park.

And while Carew is hopeful Barry will stay, the striker also admits his team-mate could opt to move to Anfield.

Hope

"I think it is 50-50," said Carew. "We all hope Gareth stays because he is such an amazing player and I definitely do because I really enjoy playing with him.

"The fans certainly could not have done any more. Gareth is a good professional and a great player.

"He can handle any situation and I am happy to see him playing again. The reception he received did not surprise me but I know he can adapt to any situation.

"We have all been in the game for a long time, so we don't waste too much energy thinking about whether the crowd is being positive or negative.

Professional

"He will just go out there and do his job in exactly the same way as he always does and we will just wait to see what happens."

Meanwhile, Ashley Young, Villa's match-winner against Odense, was also not surprised to see Barry welcomed by supporters.

"I have always said Gareth is a true professional," said Young. "He is always going to do his job in a professional way and that is what he has done.

"What is happening is between Gareth and the club. It has nothing to do with me.

"But he was always going to get a good reception from the fans. He has done well for the club. It was nice to see that being recognised."