Villa get Barry boost

Midfielder rules out move in January

Last updated: 28th November 2008

Gareth Barry

Barry: Going nowhere

We will sit down again in the summer, have a chat and see what progress we are making. Martin O'Neill on Barry.

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Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has confirmed Gareth Barry has pledged to stay at the club for the rest of the season.

O'Neill revealed he has held talks with Barry over his short-term future after Liverpool made four unsuccessful bids for his services last summer.

Fresh reports have suggested Barry could be a target for a number of clubs when the transfer window reopens in January, but the England international has moved to quell the speculation by ruling out a move in the New Year.

O'Neill admitted it was a major boost to keep Barry at Villa Park for the immediate future.

"This news will lift me, the players and hopefully, the player himself. It increases our determination to keep going and shows we are pushing in the right direction," said O'Neill.

"This is what Gareth wants to do. It is very, very pleasing and I am delighted. We will sit down again in the summer, have a chat and see what progress we are making.

Trauma

"He has given the football club fantastic service and wants to put the trauma of the summer behind him.

"His game is top-notch at the moment and he is playing very well. He wants to leave all the speculation behind him and get on with his game."