Barry happy with underdog status

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The England midfielder has urged Martin O'Neill's side to maintain their current form and keep applying pressure on the so-called big four.

Barry said: "We are halfway now through the season and that is a great sign to be where we are. It puts a bit of pressure on teams below you if you do keep winning."

Villa's 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Boxing Day has given them the opportunity to end the year in the top four if they can get at least a point at Hull on Tuesday.

Barry knows a section of pundits and critics have still to be convinced about the credentials of the midlands club.

But the 27-year-old is hoping they will be forced to eat their words if Villa are still pushing to break into the elite in the latter stages of the season.

He added: "We have won back-to-back away games (against Everton and West Ham). The critics can keep saying we are not up there near the top of the table on merit. But, if we can stay there until April, then people will start changing their minds.

"We don't mind not being taken seriously. It takes the pressure off. We will probably keep talking that way ourselves - at least we will in public anyway.

"It is alright starting well and then dropping away but here we are, halfway through a season and that shows the massive effort put in so far.

"We have picked up our form over the last six games and have gone shooting up the table. Hopefully we can keep it going."