Patrik Berger will not play for Aston Villa again after urging team-mate Gareth Barry to join Barclays Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Barry was the subject of an unsuccessful bid by the Merseyside giants last Friday and the Czech Republic international was widely quoted afterwards telling Barry not to pass up on the opportunity of a move to Anfield.

Martin O'Neill, the Villa manager, was unhappy with Berger and although the player has since apologised he has been told he will not play in the final game of the season at West Ham.

Berger has made only eight Premier League starts in three seasons and was expected to leave in the summer.

"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 said.

"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.

"I think Pat realises that now and he's apologised.He said he didn't mean a great deal of harm but the harm's been done and he won't be playing any part in proceedings from here on in."