O'Neill optimistic over new Barry deal

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill is “more optimistic” than earlier in the week about captain Gareth Barry remaining at the club and signing a new long-term deal.

Barry produced a man-of-the-match performance for Villa and scored the winning goal in Wednesday’s 2-1 home triumph over Reading.

The former England Under-21 captain had voiced concern about remaining at Villa after last season as they only narrowly escaped relegation from the Barclays Premiership.

But the Villa boss is quietly confident the 25-year-old will pledge his future to the midlands club.

O’Neill said: “At this precise moment I would say I am more optimistic about events regarding Gareth Barry than maybe two or three days ago.

“Things have gone pretty well. There are still some things to iron out, but as things stand, I am more hopeful.

“I am always guarded and until someone actually signs a contract, you can’t be certain of things, but I am more hopeful Gareth will stay.

“He is a terrific player and he is aware everyone wants him to stay at the football club.

“You saw how terrific he was against Reading, he played tremendously well and scored a fantastic goal to win the game for us.

“It is really important to us that he stays. He is a popular lad and we have all told him that we want to keep him.”

Barry has two years remaining of his current deal but O’Neill is keen for him to be a major figure throughout his entire reign at Villa Park.

The Irishman has given him the captaincy this season in place of Olof Mellberg who had spent the previous three seasons in the role.