Gareth Barry insists he is 100 per cent committed to the Villa cause – and will do everything in his power to sink former suitors Liverpool.

The midfielder insists there will be ‘nothing strange’ about the sell-out clash at Villa Park – even though for most of the summer it looked odds on he would be playing for the opposition.

After committing his future to Martin O’Neill’s men at least until the next transfer window, Barry is keen to get back to footballing matters.

He said: “Will Sunday be strange? I am 100 per cent for Villa. That’s all I’ll be doing. That won’t be strange at all.

“I’ve spoken to the manager and I’ve no problem giving 100 per cent for Aston Villa – and that will be starting against Liverpool on Sunday.”

Barry, who has two years left of his current Villa contract, insists his relationship with O’Neill remains intact. He also has no complaints at being priced out of a move to Anfield.

He said: “Do I feel hung out to dry over what has happened?

“That is what the football business is all about. I am contracted to Villa. They set a fee and it wasn’t matched. Rules are rules. Is there any ill feeling with Martin O’Neill? Not at all.

“The manager knows I will be giving 100 per cent for himself and the club and that will be fine for everyone.

“It’s also nice hearing your team-mates wanting you to stay. We have got a great dressing room. You want everyone to stay really but I would have been disappointed if they wanted me to leave!”

Yet he did again refuse to be drawn on his long-term future at the club.

He added: “Am I here for the long haul? “I’ll take this season now, concentrate on that and hopefully we can improve on last season.”