If Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry decides to leave the club
in summer, manager Martin O’Neill will not stand in his way.
The England international has been linked with Liverpool for
months but opted to stay at Villa Park where he has helped his side
to a current top four standing in the league.
O’Neill is hoping that the form of the team this season will
persuade Barry to stay but he will understand if a move does
happen.
"Gareth is here until the end of the season. He was true to his
word that he would stay in January," the Villa chief told the
News of the World.
"If we keep the momentum going, who knows? But if we don't
qualify for Europe this season then things will be in the
balance.
"The point I accept is that having given this season, which was
what I wanted in the first place, I don't think anyone would
begrudge him the opportunity to move having spent that time
here.
"It was this season I was asking for. If he continues to play in
the fashion he is doing, he is in every bit as good a position as
he was at the end of last season."
