Aston Villa: Moscow's plastic pitch can't be an excuse for failure says Barry
“It’s set up nicely really,” said Barry.
“We’re a bit disappointed because of the chances we created, but if you concede the first goal it’s always going to be tough.
“We’re hopeful 1-1 will be enough. We felt we should have won the game, but we know in our heads we’ve got to score in the return.
“I’m not sure what sort of crowds they’ve been getting but I’m sure the atmosphere will be quite intense.
“But we fancy our chances because it might be set up a bit better for us to play our counter-attacking game away from home. They sort of sat back in the home leg so hopefully it will suit us a bit more over there.”
Although Barry has been a virtual ever-present for Villa so far this season, the versatile left-footer insists he does not feel jaded.
“To be honest the manager’s rotated quite well,” he said. “I’ve missed a few of the UEFA games and I’ve had a suspension so I feel very fresh personally.
“I’m looking forward to the games which are coming thick and fast and I certainly don’t feel tired.”
Barry gave another hint that qualification for the Champions League would be enough to persuade him to commit to the claret and blue cause.
But while the club’s current longest serving player could yet be tempted to stay he laughed at comments made by midfield colleague Stiliyan Petrov.
The Bulgaria international last week suggested that Barry’s decision could have a bearing on whether or not he agrees a new contract in the summer.
But, although Barry was flattered by Petrov’s support, he revealed that O’Neill had made a joke out of the situation rather than taking it too seriously.
“It’s an easy thing for me because I want Aston Villa to be playing Champions League football next season,” added Barry. “I just give 100 per cent and hopefully we can finish as high as possible.
“It’s been great being loyal to one club for all these years and I’ve got a good rapport with all the fans, so playing at the top level here is even better.
“To be honest the first I’ve heard about what Stiliyan said was when the manager brought it up in the changing room after the game and was having a bit of banter.
“I just found the manager’s comments a bit funny, but you’d have to ask him what they were!”
