Zat Knight has joined Aston Villa teammates in declaring he hopes Gareth Barry stays at Villa Park.

The defender said: "We are lucky Gareth Barry has not gone (to Liverpool) because he can drop in there (at left-back) and he did a great job for us (against Odense).

"We have got some more big games now starting next Saturday against Reading (friendly) in the build-up to the season and hopefully we can do a job again.

"The crowd gave Gareth a great reception and hopefully we can keep him here. He is a quality player. As a player you just want to keep the best players around you. "