Aston Villa goal scorer Gareth Barry was delighted with their 2-1 UEFA Cup victory over Ajax last night.

Barry scored the winning goal after Martin Laursen's opener had been cancelled out by Thomas Vermaelen.

With games to come against Hamburg and Slavia Prague, England midfielder Barry admitted it was essential Villa got off to a good start and he believed the hosts were worthy winners.

Barry told Five: "It was very close. In the first half they had the possession but in the second we changed our game plan.

"Overall we deserved the win. We knew they were going to have a lot of possession but it's the scoreline that counts.

"It was very important we started with a win especially at home. It sets us up nicely."