Gareth Barry has put behind him last summers transfer saga when he almost joined Liverpool. Now he is happy at Aston Villa and is committed to the club.

"The Liverpool thing seems a few years ago now," the 27 year old said in the Daily Mirror.

"Me and the manager are both professional people who want the best for Villa and my relationship with the manager is very good.

"It can go through your head what others have done to get away from a club, but that was just not the reputation I would have wanted."

Barry is also delighted to have been made captain again in the absence of the injured Martin Laursen.

"Now I have got the armband back and everyone knows I enjoy captaining Villa," he said.

"It can raise your game but I know Martin Laursen is still the club captain and if we win a trophy this season that will be more than enough for me."