Gareth Barry's proposed move to Liverpool finally appears to have fallen through after he asked to join Aston Villa's Uefa Cup challenge.
The England midfielder declared himself available to play after speaking to Martin O'Neill's staff, giving the clearest indication yet that he will remain at Villa Park.
Villa's boss said: 'I didn't get a chance to speak to Gareth on Monday but my assistants John Robertson and Steve Walford did.
'Last week, he was more than unsettled but he has said he's absolutely right. He's ready to play and he wanted to come and join us.
'That's particularly pleasing. I shall speak to him before the game. But what was very encouraging was that he wanted to come.
'If players are mentally right and they are really good players - and Gareth Barry is a really good player - then I wouldn't have any hesitation in picking him.
'He's right to play. And it's terrific news for us.'
O'Neill said he would have no hesistation in naming Barry and it seems certain that he will play a part in the National Stadium this evening.
Despite signing three defenders in the past week, ONeill has only been able to add Nicky Shorey to his list of eligible players with both Carlos Cuellar and Luke Young unavailable.
Barry did not travel with the team on their training camp in Spain last week and is short of match practice. He has not featured since the victory over Odense in the prevous round.
But O'Neill will be eager for him to have a run-out against the Icelanders as it will be ideal preparation ahead of this Sunday's Premier League kick-off at Villa Park against Manchester City.
The England midfielder declared himself available to play after speaking to Martin O'Neill's staff, giving the clearest indication yet that he will remain at Villa Park.
Villa's boss said: 'I didn't get a chance to speak to Gareth on Monday but my assistants John Robertson and Steve Walford did.
'Last week, he was more than unsettled but he has said he's absolutely right. He's ready to play and he wanted to come and join us.
'That's particularly pleasing. I shall speak to him before the game. But what was very encouraging was that he wanted to come.
'If players are mentally right and they are really good players - and Gareth Barry is a really good player - then I wouldn't have any hesitation in picking him.
'He's right to play. And it's terrific news for us.'
O'Neill said he would have no hesistation in naming Barry and it seems certain that he will play a part in the National Stadium this evening.
Despite signing three defenders in the past week, ONeill has only been able to add Nicky Shorey to his list of eligible players with both Carlos Cuellar and Luke Young unavailable.
Barry did not travel with the team on their training camp in Spain last week and is short of match practice. He has not featured since the victory over Odense in the prevous round.
But O'Neill will be eager for him to have a run-out against the Icelanders as it will be ideal preparation ahead of this Sunday's Premier League kick-off at Villa Park against Manchester City.
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