O'Neill praise for Barry

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has praised midfielder Gareth Barry and believes the player is back to his best.

Barry was the subject of one of the longest running transfer stories of the summer but failed to move to Liverpool and O'Neill is glad to see the midfield maestro putting in good performances for Villa.

Barry plays mainly in a holding midfield role for England, but at Villa he plays in a more attacking role and O'Neill believes this is the best position for the 27-year-old.

Speaking to the Birmingham Post O'Neill said: "He (Barry) wasn't alone, but he was really magnificent. He was back to his best at club level.

"Interestingly, he plays a totally different game (than when playing for England). He's not a holding midfield player for us. If he is, I've picked the wrong player.

"Stiliyan Petrov is the central midfield player and Gareth is given a licence to go and play but he'll get back and do his job as well."