Barry buoyed by Carson loan move

Aston Villa skipper Gareth Barry believes Scott Carson's England hopes can only be enhanced by his move to the midlands club after the 21-year-old agreed to join Villa on a season-long loan from Liverpool in a deal costing around £2million.

The former Leeds goalkeeper spent a similar spell with Charlton last season. He is expected to make his debut for Villa in next weekend's Premier League game at Newcastle.

Barry said: "This is a great signing for Aston Villa. Scott is a proven Premier League player and he came close to keeping Charlton up last season when he turned in some excellent performances."

He added: "He has also got Champions League experience and these are the type of players you need in your side. This is another example of the manager (Martin O'Neill) wanting to bring quality players into every department of the team.

"Scott has also said he wants to be pushing Paul Robinson all the way for a senior England place. A full season at Villa playing under Martin O'Neill can only do him the world of good."

Carson's England Under-21 colleague, Villa striker Ashley Young, also welcomed the arrival of the 21-year-old.

He said: "I've seen first hand from Scott's time with the England Under-21s that he is a really good 'keeper.

"Him coming to the club can only be good for us. He's a really good shotstopper and his vocal presence is there for all to see.

"He has a really good track record. If he didn't have quality he wouldn't be part of the England set-up like he has been at under-21 and senior level."