Villa midfielder Gareth Barry has admitted it could be ‘vital’ manager Martin O’Neill rests players in Moscow – or their Champions League charge could run out of steam.

The team’s tiring schedule of three games in six days appeared to take its toll on O’Neill’s wafer-thin squad, as their big week ended in further disappointment with a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.

O’Neill has already hinted at resting a number of stars for Thursday’s UEFA Cup second leg against CSKA Moscow – despite the tie being finely poised at 1-1 – after identifying Sunday’s Stoke game as his No 1 priority with a top-four finish the “Holy Grail.”

Birthday boy Barry – 28 today – who has already played 43 times, concedes the fatigue factor is threatening to catch up with Villa.

He said: “It’s always a danger. Looking at the Stoke game, it could be vital a few players get a rest because Wednesday (the CSKA first leg) might have caught up with a few after a tough game against Chelsea.

“I felt fine, but these things can catch up with you when the games are coming thick and fast and this month it’s been like that.

“When you look at the stats and see other players for rival teams are playing less games, then it’s obviously going to help them, although we are not using that as an excuse.

“But, if the rest can help, then I’m sure the manager will look at it.”