John Carew believes Gareth Barry will snub the lure of Champions League football at Liverpool to lead Villa's continued revival.

The Norwegian international striker is convinced skipper Barry will stay this summer because 'Villa is in his heart.'

Martin O'Neill reacted furiously on Friday as news of Liverpool's bid for England international Barry was made public just 24 hours before the vital home game with Wigan.

Now Carew shares his manager's determination to keep Barry at the club. He said: "I think Gareth will stay here, hopefully. I haven't given it that much thought, but Villa is in his heart.

"I haven't spoken to him. But I feel he will stay and hopefully we can offer him the platform. I just hope he stays."