Barry decision crucial in me staying, says Villa’s Petrov

STILIYAN PETROV admits whether Gareth Barry stays or goes will have “a big influence” on his own future with Aston Villa.

The midlanders boss Martin O’Neill says persuading Petrov to sign a new contract has become his “top priority” since the closure of the winter transfer window. The Bulgarian has been a key performer for Villa this season and has only 17 months remaining of his current four-year deal following his £6m move from Celtic in the summer of 2006.

But Petrov insists his own contract is on the back-burner while Villa battle for a Champions League spot and UEFA Cup glory. And he concedes Barry’s own plans — he came close to moving to Liverpool last summer — will have a significant bearing on what lies ahead for him in the long term.