Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has confirmed Gareth Barry will be staying at Villa for the rest of the season. O'Neill told the club's official web site: "This news will lift me, the players and hopefully, the player himself. It increases our determination to keep going and shows we are pushing in the right direction.

"This is what Gareth wants to do. It is very, very pleasing and I am delighted.

"We will sit down again in the summer, have a chat and see what progress we are making.

"He has given the football club fantastic service and wants to put the trauma of the summer behind him.

"His game is top-notch at the moment and he is playing very well. He wants to leave all the speculation behind him and get on with his game."