Double figures is Barry's goal.

GARETH Barry is aiming to hit double figures for Villa this season after bringing his tally to three goals in as many games last night.

It means he has already scored five goals well before the halfway stage of the season and Barry has his sights set on beating his previous best of nine.

Barry converted James Milner's cross to give Villa the lead against Rovers at a crucial point of the game.

Villa went on to win 3-2 and Barry knows he is in a rich vein of form after scoring against Ajax and Wigan over the past week "Can I get into double figures this season? Yes, I think so," he said.

"I can play more games maybe, the top four play 60-odd whereas we've been playing 44-50, with more games there are more chances so perhaps I can get into double figures for the first time.

"I've got a bit more licence, when John Carew came on, it made it tougher for them in terms of defending. But I always try and get in the box and the chances seem to be falling for me.

"But we knew we didn't play very well. To come away with three points is massive.

"These are the nights the fans think we are just going to beat Blackburn and as a professional you know it doesn't happen like that.

"We couldn't get our normal game going but we did enough in the end. But they played well.

We got away with it a little bit. It was a tough night out there and getting three points was a big relief."

Barry also hopes he can keep his place in the England side to face Germany next month, even though Fabio Capello has said that he plans to experiment.

The midfielder still wants to play, though, after years in the international wilderness when Sven-Goran Eriksson refused to pick him.

But he also hopes Capello selects Ashley Young and Gabby Agbonlahor.

"They're on a fine run of form, I'm sure they would have been watched again last night and their chance will come, they deserve it," added Barry.

"The England manager knows it's a chance to see them. But those years I didn't play for England, I can't get back so I want to take every opportunity I can to play for my country."

CAPTION(S):

LICENCE TO THRILL... Gareth Barry celebrates with John Carew.