Stiliyan Petrov expects Villa supporters to give Gareth Barry a rousing reception tomorrow for what could be his final farewell.

Barry will lead the claret and blues out against Newcastle at Villa Park for the end-of-season encounter with major question marks again surrounding his future.

The 28-year-old’s transfer to Liverpool is widely expected to be resurrected during the summer–which would bring to an end Barry’s 12-year association with the club.

His popularity with fans diminished when he sought a move to Merseyside a year ago, only for the Reds to fail to meet Villa’s asking price, but his performances soon won back their hearts.

And Petrov has urged the Villa faithful to remember the service his midfield partner has given. “What Gareth has done for this club is phenomenal,” said Petrov. “He has been great. He should get a great reception whether he leaves or not.

“Sometimes fans have enough of players, but they still love Gareth. They should be happy to have had a player like him and I hope they will still have him next season, he has been immense for 12 years. It’s something that should be appreciated because not many players do that. He has been really loyal.

“We would prefer him to be in our team but the future is down to him. There is definitely life after Gareth, but we would lose a great player.”