Football FanCast columnist Rob Facey looks at Martin O'Neill's decision to end Patrik Berger's Villa career after he encouraged Gareth Barry to move to Liverpool, but thinks that the damage may already have been done.

Berger, who moved to Liverpool after Euro 96, is quoted as saying "if I was in Gareth's position, I would go there tomorrow," and has met the wrath of his furious manager. O'Neill has already a huge task on his hands trying to convince his skipper to stay on, and is right not to tolerate his team mates undermining his position.

"I was really disappointed and surprised that Patrik, with all his experience of dealing with the press, would make such an inappropriate comment," O'Neill told The Guardian.

"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.

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

Calling a move Merseyside move an "opportunity of a lifetime" will surely upset the manager who has done much to improve Aston Villa's stock in the Premier League as they look for a consistent top 6 finish from now on.

Barry has impressed with displays at Villa Park and for England this season but the decision to stay at Villa will be the hardest of his career. If he was to move on he could end up in a similar situation as Scott Parker found himself after a move to Chelsea a few seasons ago.

Liverpool's central midfield is already crowded and Barry, who arguably is no better than Alonso, Mascherano and Lucas, who face stiff competition for the one remaining place alongside Steven Gerrard.

Should Villa prioritise his staying, or plan on using the £10-15m fee that will be received to buy adequate replacements?

What a blow it would be for Villa to lose their talisman - would this leave them stranded in mid table obscurity for the foreseeable future?

Barry is at a crossroads, and though receiving advice, what will his decision be?