Aston Villa: Dunne's headed opener earns O'Neill accolade

Oct 6 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

Martin O'Neill

“But he’s a great character. He’s given us all a lift. I’m delighted that he’s at the football club.

“There’s not much more I can add other than a great performance from him.’’

O’Neill also had kind words for Gareth Barry, who endured a torrent of abuse from many of the fans who used to worship him along with the odd ripple of applause.

“The players here have a great respect for Gareth Barry for what he’s done, I likewise have that,” added O’Neill.

“He could have left when he was a bit disillusioned in 2006. I’m absolutely delighted and thrilled that he stayed at the football club.

“We’ve helped him during that time to get his England place back, but he reciprocated.’’

O’Neill added: “He helped us and he was at the football club for a long, long time.

“I can’t change anything but my opinion of Gareth Barry as a football player hasn’t changed in three years.”