Steven Gerrard's cousin backs Gareth Barry to form a good partnership with the Liverpool star

Jul 24 2008

Anthony Gerrard has backed his cousin Steven and Gareth Barry to form a formidable partnership at Liverpool - if the Aston Villa captain finally secures a move to Anfield.

Walsall defender Anthony - a devout Liverpool fan - witnessed at first hand the anger Villa fans now feel towards Barry during Tuesday's friendly between the two clubs.

But Barry's professionalism only increased Anthony's admiration for the 27-year-old, who is waiting for Liverpool to match Villa's £18million valuation of him.

Anthony Gerrard said: "After seeing that performance on Tuesday, it would seem that whatever is going on in Gareth Barry's football life has not affected him on the pitch.

"He showed he was a class act and a class above any of the other players on the pitch. As a Liverpool fan, I believe he would be a great addition to the team.

"Gareth wants to do better for himself and play in the Champions League. Everyone wants to excel in their career and I think Steven and Gareth would play very well together.

"Steven would like Gareth to join him at Liverpool. They are good friends and they get on whenever they join up with the England squad. I have no doubt at all they would make a good partnership on the field."

O'Neill is adamant he will not budge from the asking price for Barry, who made it clear at the end of last season that he wanted to make the move to the Reds despite having two years remaining on his current contract.

Villa, meanwhile, are set to step up their bid to sign goalkeeper Brad Friedel after Blackburn confirmed they had accepted an offer for the 37-year-old.

O'Neill, who also hopes to complete the signing of another American keeper, Brad Guzan, needs to strengthen in the department as Stuart Taylor is currently his only senior shot-stopper.