O'Neill exiles sorry Berger

Midfielder Patrik Berger has been told that he has no future at Aston Villa, having recently advised club captain Gareth Barry to make the move to Liverpool this summer.

The 34-year-old Czech Republic international had warned Barry not to miss out on the chance to seal a switch to Anfield, advice which angered Villa manager Martin O'Neill greatly.

He told the club's official website: "I was really disappointed and surprised that Patrik, with all his experience of dealing with the press, would make such an inappropriate comment.

"The sad aspect of it is that we are paying Patrik's wages for him to recommend one of our players to another football club.

"It's ludicrous. I think Pat realises that now and he's apologised.

"He said he didn't mean a great deal of harm, but the harm's been done and he won't be playing any part in proceedings from here on in."