O'Neill won't spare Barry from the hate-mob

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, England (AFP) — Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has warned Gareth Barry that he won't protect the unsettled England midfielder from the hate-mob in Saturday's Intertoto Cup clash with Odense.

Barry was subjected to vicious abuse during Tuesday's friendly at Walsall as Villa fans showed their displeasure at his attempts to engineer a move to Liverpool.

It could get even worse for Barry if O'Neill feels the 27-year-old is in the right frame of mind to play in this weekend's European tie at Villa Park.

O'Neill said: "I think that in terms of fitness the game on Tuesday will have brought Gareth on so, if he's mentally tuned in and he wants to go and play, why not?

"Why shouldn't he be in contention for the game? He's a quality player and...