Gareth Barry

Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry admits sealing a place in Europe next season would help him forget the 'low points' in his career.

Villa sit sixth in the Premier League and remain in contention for a place in the UEFA Champions League next year.

Martin O'Neill's side trail fourth-placed Everton, who occupy the final qualifying spot for a place in Europe's top club competition, by only five points. And while Villa may have to settle for a place in the Uefa Cup, Barry confesses he would welcome any European competition as the pinnacle of his time with the Midlands outfit.

"The club is buoyant at the moment," said Barry. "I have experienced quite a few low points at this club but it makes times like this, when things are going so well, even better.

"If I were to captain the club into Europe, that would be the best achievement of my career.

"I am looking forward to that happening but there is still a lot of hard work ahead.

"We have not achieved anything yet and this is now the most important part of the season. We have to keep our eye on the ball. There is still a lot of hard work ahead.

"No-one is getting carried away at the moment. The way we are playing at the moment, and the points we are picking up, means Europe is possible - but no-one is getting ahead of their station."

Fifth-placed Liverpool are also in contention for a place in the Champions League, but Barry insists Villa - who travel to Everton at the end of April for what could prove to be a European showdown - must concentrate on their own results.

"It is now up to us now to keep putting in the performances so that we don't drop away in the final two months of the season," Barry added.

"We are competing with the likes of Liverpool and Everton but we'll give it our best shot. We are determined to finish this campaign on a high."