BARRY IS WOOED BY O'NEILL.A. Villa v Everton, tomorrow, 2pm ASTON VILLA boss Martin O'Neill has started to woo Gareth Barry Gareth Barry (born February 23, 1981 in Hastings, East Sussex), is an English footballer and captain of Aston Villa. He also plays for England. Along with former team-mate Gareth Southgate, he was the only player to play in both final matches at the old Wembley Stadium, once for to try to keep him out of Liverpool's clutches. Barry, 28, is about to enter the final year of his pounds 48,000- a-week contract at Villa Park Villa Park, village (1990 pop. 22,253), Du Page co., NE Ill.; inc. 1914. It is a residential suburb W of Chicago. . The England midfielder has stated he will stay if Villa, who are fifth in the Premier League, can offer him Champions League football. But Liverpool, who failed to sign Barry with four bids last summer, are still interested. O'Neill has pledged not to stand in Barry's way should he leave after pleading for another season last summer. But O'Neill is still pulling out all the stops to persuade Barry he can fulfil his ambitions at Villa Park. The pair were at a club dinner this week and O'Neill, whose side host Everton tomorrow, made special mention of his captain. "Young Gareth has a heart the size of a lion," said O'Neill. "He wants to play every single week and wouldn't take a break if you asked him. "He doesn't get a break in the season and plays international matches. It is great for him, absolutely fantastic and he is very, very talented." O'Neill also admitted Villa are missing key defender Martin Laursen Martin Laursen (born July 26 1977 in Fårvang, Denmark) is a Danish professional football player who plays as a defender for Aston Villa. Laursen has been capped 45 times and scored two goals for the Denmark national football team, whom he has represented in the 2002 FIFA World Cup . The Dane has only played once since Christmas after his knee problems flared flare v. flared, flar·ing, flares v.intr. 1. To flame up with a bright, wavering light. 2. To burst into intense, sudden flame. 3. a. up again. His absence coincided with Villa's slump in form and he is now likely to miss the rest of the season. CAPTION(S): IN DEMAND Gareth Barry |
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