O'Neill ignores Barry rumours

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has played down renewed doubts over England midfielder Gareth Barry's future at the Midlands club.

Barry was poised for an £18million transfer to Liverpool in the summer, before the Reds pulled out of the deal after failing to sell Xabi Alonso to Juventus.

However, speculation is mounting that the Anfield club could reignite their interest in Barry in January, with his current contract with Villa running out at the end of next season.

O'Neill told the Birmingham Mail: "When I'm asked about Barry's future I'm not hiding anything. It's just I have absolutely no idea what might happen in January.

"The fact I have not spoken to Gareth is not brushing it under the carpet, or leaving heads in the sand. Not at all.

"I am not a soothsayer. I don't know what is going to happen in the future. But I am certainly not going to start putting pressure on someone who may not even want to do these things.

"I am just pleased Gareth is still here and pleased he is still playing well. He also has the England scenario to look at and I just want him to stay as focused as he possibly can.

"That's the only way I can play it until we see what January brings."