Capello admits to Barry concerns

Barry has been linked with Liverpool since the end of last season

England coach Fabio Capello claims the saga of Gareth Barry's stalled move to Liverpool was to blame for his poor display against the Czech Republic.

Aston Villa's Barry, 27, was below par in Wednesday's 2-2 draw at Wembley.

And Capello said: "At the moment, the Liverpool situation means Barry is not at his best. That is my opinion."

Midfielder Barry has failed to have his wish for a move to Liverpool granted because the Anfield club have so far refused to meet Villa's £18m price tag.

606: DEBATE Your views on the Barry transfer saga

He is now back in the Villa side and starred in their opening Premier League win last Sunday, when they beat Manchester City 4-2.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, had conceded the Gunners are continuing to monitor Barry's situation at Villa Park.

"There is always interest," said Wenger. "I cannot tell you much more. He's one of the players we follow.

"I find Barry a good player. The problems with players who are 27, 28 is that you pay big money but you get nothing back, no resale."