MANCHESTER City manager Mark Hughes is banking on Gareth Barry’s experience in the domestic and international arena to take the club to the next level.

The 28-year-old England international signed a five-year contract at Eastlands.

Barry, a target for Liverpool last summer, left Aston Villa in a surprise £12million move after 12 years and more than 400 matches for the club.

Hughes said: "Gareth is widely acknowledged as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League and that is a recommendation in itself.

"When players of his quality become available then you have to be in the market for them.

"The experience required to compete with the best in the Premier League is vital. He plays at a level that has an impact on the game and we are thrilled that he is joining us."

Club captain Richard Dunne, currently on Republic of Ireland duty, welcomed Barry on board.

"He is a really good player and a player the Aston Villa fans will really miss, " said the defender.

"It shows the pulling power of the club. It’s the sort of signing the manager is looking for."

Barry has proved to be adaptable over the years and that is a trait that Hughes believes will serve City well.

"I like players that have the sort of flexibility that enables you to change your tactics if you need during a game, and Gareth has that," he said.

"He also has a range of passing that I am keen to introduce to the team, and he has got great delivery at setplays as well. He will bring a lot to City.

"I have spoken to him briefly, and I will do at greater length soon. It is clear to everybody that being at City is going to be exciting in the future, and Gareth sees that."

Barry had publicly stated he wanted to play in the Champions League and manager Martin O’Neill knew it would be difficult to hang on to the player should one of the top four come calling.

However, Barry’s decision to join the revolution being undertaken by Hughes at Eastlands – and bankrolled by Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan – will have come as a shock.

City have not even qualified for next season’s revamped Europa League.

But it is understood Barry has received assurances regarding the quality of player Hughes is looking to bring in this summer to help establish City as a major force.