Gareth Barry has set his sights on an extended run in this season's UEFA Cup.

And, after a summer of upheaval and speculation, the England international is looking forward to focussing on his football.

Villa face Bulgarian outfit PFC Litex Lovech in the first round and are one of 80 teams hoping to progress to the group stage of the competition.

Speaking moments after the draw in Monaco, Barry told www.avfc.co.uk: "It's important for this club to be back in the UEFA Cup. It's nice for the fans to experience European football again and a club like ourselves should be playing in Europe year in, year out.

"The earlier rounds will set us up nicely and give the lads a bit of experience in travelling away from home.

"We've got to get used to playing two games in a week and that's why it was important for the manager to add to the squad this summer. Hopefully he can add more.

"This is a big tie for us because we're aiming to get into the group stages. Obviously we don't know too much about them but we'll go there and treat them with respect. We'll do our homework and hopefully our form will be good going into the tie."

Looking at his own situation, Barry is now keen to put the Liverpool saga behind him.

He added: "There's been a lot of speculation over the summer but I just want to concentrate on my football now. I'm at Aston Villa and I'm giving 100 per cent.

"The fans have been brilliant, especially at Villa Park and all I can do is give 100 per cent for them and the club and the fans will appreciate that."