Villa captain Barry told to sign for Liverpool - by his own team-mate

After a Villa performance that demonstrated to Gareth Barry why he may need to move to fill his trophy cabinet, one of his team-mates urged him to experience all that Anfield has to offer.

Saying goodbye? Mellberg, left, is off but will Barry stay at Villa

Former Liverpool striker Patrik Berger said: 'If I was in Gareth's position I would go there tomorrow. It is the opportunity of a lifetime. Liverpool don't come after you every year.

'He is the heart of our team and it would be a massive challenge for him. He would be in the Champions League and challenging to win trophies every year.

'I'm not surprised they want to sign him. He has had a fantastic season and was our main player from the beginning to the end. He has played well for the national team as well. But I think the gap — not just between Villa and the top four but the rest of the League — is big. To break into the top four you would really have to spend a lot of money.

'Everton have tried for the past few years but they only did it once. It is going to be tough for Villa to do that. It will take time and to reach the Champions League you would need to keep players like Gareth.'

According to Villa Park sources, owner Randy Lerner is prepared to back O'Neill financially over a new contract for Barry.

But Olof Mellberg, given a hero's reception after seven years at Villa Park before his summer move to Juventus, added: 'It is hard work in the Barclays Premier League now because a lot of teams are spending money.'

Villa served up a lifeless display on Saturday and O'Neill will have to stump up quickly if he is to keep Barry.

Wigan boss Steve Bruce was defeated just once on Villa soil when he managed their neighbours Birmingham. He retired to the visitors' dressing-room at the end having fully vindicated chairman Dave Whelan's £3million transfer raid for him.

He also apparently picked up a seven-figure cheque for keeping Wigan, second bottom when he joined last November, in the top flight.

Their 31-point haul since has seen them reach safety earlier than many thought possible.

Bruce chortled when quizzed about his bonus. 'I didn't come here to take a drop,' was all he would say in public.

Emile Heskey tested Villa more than John Carew did the visitors. After a deflection handed Antonio Valencia a 52nd-minute opener, the former England striker's flick led to the Ecuadorian firing home a second.

Heskey said: 'It's a relief to be safe. We had the ability but we had a problem with confidence and Steve Bruce has given us that back.

'We have a few players here attracting attention. Steve is a good manager but he knows you can't hold anyone back if they really want to go.'

That point will not be lost on O'Neill this morning.