Gabriel Agbonlahor has urged Aston Villa skipper Gareth Barry to refuse Liverpool's advances and pledge his future to Martin O'Neill's troops.

England Under-21 striker Agbonlahor, linked last season with a £15million move to Arsenal, has admitted he would be unlikely to look to move away from Villa after making massive improvements under O'Neill during the past two seasons at Villa Park.

Barry, a summer target for Reds boss Rafa Benitez, could be the most difficult to hold on to, but Agbonlahor believes Villa can break into the top four and provide him with the Champions League football he desires.

"It's important to keep Gareth but it's important to keep a number of players," Agbonlahor said.

"The gaffer knows how key Barry has been to us this season but you can't stop what can happen so hopefully he will stay because it's important.

"Gareth has improved as well. He has been on top form for the last two seasons and, if he can stay, it will be a plus for us.

"Breaking into the top four in the next few years is what we want. We know it's going to be hard but, if we get the right squad, then we're capable of doing anything we want to do. Hopefully we can push on next season."