Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is handing the captain's armband to Gareth Barry in the absence of injured defender Martin Laursen.

Barry was appointed skipper of Villa by Martin O'Neill in the summer of 2006, but lost the armband when it appeared he was set to join Liverpool in the close season.

O'Neill confirmed: "Gareth Barry will be the captain in Martin's absence and there is no problem with that whatsoever. He has done it before and he has had an exceptionally good season."