Gareth Barry believes Aston Villa are poorly represented in the latest England squad because of the alarming slump in the club's form. Fabio Capello named up to six Villa players in his plans earlier in the campaign with Barry, Emile Heskey, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young, Luke Young and Curtis Davies included at various times.

But only Barry and Heskey were included for Saturday's friendly with Slovakia and tomorrow's World Cup qualifier with Ukraine, and the latter has been forced to withdraw with a hamstring injury.

"A few weeks back, when Aston Villa were flying and on a great run, we had six players in the England squad. Now we have just two," said Barry. "It's tough but not really [a surprise] when you see the form we've been in.

"We've only picked up one or two points from the last 15 and now have two players in the squad so I am probably not surprised."

However, Barry is convinced the effect that his club manager Martin O'Neill has had on his game is the reason he has started England's past nine internationals.

"My game has improved so much since Martin O'Neill came in. He was the one who initially switched me into central midfield and that coincided with my international call-up," said Barry. "I owe a lot to Martin O'Neill. He has given me confidence at club level and improved me as a player as well."

Peter Crouch is likely to recover from a slight injury in time for tomorrow's clash and Barry is confident his ex-Villa team-mate can effectively replace Heskey, who is likely to miss Villa's game with Manchester United on Sunday after scoring against Slovakia during England's 4-0 win.

"There aren't too many about who can play that role as Emile does. He's been a big part of teams wherever he's been and players like playing with them," said Barry. "In terms of that, he is unique and can play a big part for your team. He can do a great job. But Peter can fill that role just as well. In terms of replacing Emile on Wednesday, Peter is up to doing that job to a high standard as well.

"It was great for Emile to get a goal but it is disappointing for Villa as well as England that he got injured. I think we will miss him at Villa for at least one game and, at this stage of the season, they are all vital."