Gareth Barry believes Villa’s youngsters will continue to shine on the Premiership stage next season – whoever Martin O’Neill brings in to bolster the squad.

The Villa skipper was hugely impressed with the impact of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Co last season and does not believe the spending spree currently being planned by the club will run them into a cul-de-sac.

Barry watched two more, Ashley Young and Gary Cahill, in action for the England Under 21s and says: “We’ve got a young squad that can only get better. Last season loads of the young players played important parts throughout the season.

“Gabby Agbonlahor, Gary Cahill, Liam Ridgewell, Ashley Young, Luke Moore, Craig Gardner, Steven Davis and Isaiah Osbourne – they’re all really young and they’ve already played some important games in the Premier League.

“The young players did really well last season. People like Gabby and Craig Gardner at the end of the season showed a lot of promise for seasons to come.”

Read the full story in the Express & StarGareth Barry believes Villa’s youngsters will continue to shine on the Premiership stage next season – whoever Martin O’Neill brings in to bolster the squad.

The Villa skipper was hugely impressed with the impact of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Co last season and does not believe the spending spree currently being planned by the club will run them into a cul-de-sac.

Barry watched two more, Ashley Young and Gary Cahill, in action for the England Under 21s and says: “We’ve got a young squad that can only get better. Last season loads of the young players played important parts throughout the season.

“Gabby Agbonlahor, Gary Cahill, Liam Ridgewell, Ashley Young, Luke Moore, Craig Gardner, Steven Davis and Isaiah Osbourne – they’re all really young and they’ve already played some important games in the Premier League.

“The young players did really well last season. People like Gabby and Craig Gardner at the end of the season showed a lot of promise for seasons to come.”Following claims that the club were one of three pondering a move for former Manchester United forward Diego Forlan at a staggering £15m, O’Neill confirmed the need to bolster his strike force this summer if Villa are to secure European football.

“It will be hard for me to rely on Gabby this coming season to score the goals which will propel you into European football.”