Villa Captain Hails Spirit

Gareth Barry has hailed the spirit of the team after our double come back against Everton yesterday and he says it's all to do with Martin O'Neill.

With the draw yesterday the race for 5th place will go right to the wire. We undoubtedly on paper have the easier run in against Wigan and Wet Spam, compared to Everton's run in of Arsenal and Newcastle, so whilst it's not guaranteed, I wouldn't be surprised if fans are getting a little excited now.

Speaking on the official site, Barry said:

'We showed great character to come from behind twice and hopefully this will turn out to be a really big point for us. We knew they were dangerous going forward but so are we and we showed that again.

'It's the sort of character we have shown all season. Coming back once is very good, twice is exceptional.

'When you look at the first-half and how tight it was, that was a completely different second-half. Once the first goal went in we had to attack because we needed at least a point.

'There will probably be more twists and turns and we're happy with a point so we can take the season into the last two games.'

Barry has really grown in the centre of the park this season. Whilst everyone raved about him in previous years I was never 'as' convinced about his performances, but this season he's really come on and been far more instrumental.

Yesterday was a point in case, as he grabbed himself a couple of assists for our goals.

'It was nice to be involved in the goals but I thought the whole team performance was brilliant once again. We're showing a lot of character because we're determined to finish the season on a high.

'Gabby and John took their goals well. They were marked tightly all day, especially John, but he got his head on it and guided it right into the corner - a great finish.

'I celebrated with the fans because I know how much that point meant to them. They come up here and the support has been great again. They'll see this as a good point.'

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