Barry Relishing Task Ahead

Gareth Barry has said he is relishing the fact that Villa’s season effectively hangs on being able to win the last two matches.

Speaking to the Evening Mail, Captain Barry said he was loving the fact that villa’s season has gone to the wire, and that for the first time in a long term, we don’t come to the last few games having nothing to play for, and our season (of missing out) already over.

‘As a professional footballer you want to be able to play the last couple of games knowing there is an achievement at the end of it.

‘We will all relish this game and hopefully we can go to West Ham with things in our hands.

‘It’s important we get the three points and put the pressure on Everton and a couple of goals could also help with the goal-difference.

‘But it will be a tough game against Wigan.’

On paper, and given our form of late, you would expect us to tonk Wigan 3-4 nil, but Barry is quick to remind people that Wigan will be up for the game because they aren’t yet safe from relegation.

‘They are battling at the other end of the table and are always a hard team to break down. We could probably have done with them being safe but that is not always the best way.

‘When teams have got nothing to play for that can sometimes backfire on you.

‘They showed they are a good team by getting a point at Chelsea which shows they have a good team ethic.

‘So we will take nothing for granted but will try and play with the same character we have shown lately.’

I agree with him, it certainly makes a pleasant change having something to fight for as the season draws to a close.