Gareth Barry: Fearless Aston Villa can finish in the Top Four

Gareth Barry last night claimed Aston Villa have taken their biggest step forward as he declared: "We've conquered the fear factor."

Martin O'Neill's men followed last week's triumph at Arsenal by matching Manchester United all the way to move into fourth place in the table. The England midfielder's grip on the man-of-the match champagne was as firm as the hold he had taken in midfield to stifle United's attacking verve and instigate most of Villa's best work.

And Barry is convinced that Villa have demonstrated by mixing it with the big boys twice in a week that they have what it takes to challenge for a Champions League spot.

Barry said: "People have talked about us and the fear factor against teams like Arsenal and United but results like we've had give us the belief. It's a great sign for us.

"We won't get carried away. There is still a long way to go and the teams that have been in the top four for so long are there because they have got great players.

"But if you look at what's happening with Arsenal, things seem up in the air and the results aren't going their way.

It gives us a chance to break in and we have to be ready to take it if it is there for us."

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