Barry disciplined by Villa

Aston Villa have disciplined want-away skipper Gareth Barry after he criticised manager Martin O’Neill in a Sunday newspaper interview.

O’Neill has also insisted Villa have not received a new bid from Liverpool for the England midfielder, who will not be present when Villa report back for pre-season training at Bodymoor Heath tomorrow.

Liverpool were linked with a new £15 million offer for 27-year-old Barry but O’Neill said: “There is no truth in this morning’s reports and the situation remains the same.

“Gareth will not be returning to training tomorrow and he has been disciplined after giving an unauthorised interview to the News of the World.”

A club statement confirmed: “Gareth Barry will not be returning for pre-season training tomorrow.”