O'Neill will make Barry wait

Martin O'Neill has hinted he will make Gareth Barry wait for a new Aston Villa contract to avoid dressing-room unrest.

Barry ended months of uncertainty last week when he finally pledged his immediate future to the club after long-term suitors Liverpool failed to meet Villa's 18million valuation.

O'Neill, who has admitted he had resigned himself to losing the England midfielder, is keen to avoid a repeat scenario, and, while delighted Barry is staying, has confirmed he will not rush talks over a new deal in the interest of dressing-room harmony.

"Gareth is staying and we will just let it settle down," he said.