O'Leary: I love Gareth Barry or do I?

We're not entirely sure that O'Leary said everything we're about to print - he could have just given the official web site carte blanche to publish whatever they wanted to about how the manager feels about Barry.

Barry has grown on me as a player after his performances towards the end of last season and his commitment this season but for O'Leary - he's 'not being outstanding'.

You've got to read it for yourself as it's a good read but to give you a taster O'Leary had or maybe didn't have this to say about Barry "He is a lovely boy, Gareth. He is consistent the way he trains, the way he does everything, everything about the boy he gives himself every chance of putting in a consistent performance every week.

"You hear of low maintenance players. Steve McGregor will tell him to eat this, or tell him to do that, and Gareth falls into it. Steve has these 'recovery pants', which they wear after games and you see Gareth wearing them."

O'Leary also goes on to tell you how Barry spent his Christmas and that he was a bit annoyed at not getting pudding but we'll leave that to you to read.

Nice to have Barry back for today but I think we've gone a little overboard on his return - it was a suspension after all and not like he's coming back fro a 3 month injury lay off.

Still, the question remains - did O'Leary say this or was it made up for him?