Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry was grateful that his missed spotkick proved academic in yesterday's 2-1 win at Reading.

"I kicked the ground as I was taking it but these things happen," the England man admitted. "I spent a couple of minutes trying to forget about it and I'm just glad it didn't cost us in the end. It's three points and we move on.

"I have missed a couple before and it would be good to get another one as quickly as possible. It went the side it was supposed to but just shanked off. At least it sent the 'keeper the wrong way."